Federal prosecutors claim a childhood friend of Terry Rozier allegedly threatened witnesses in the government’s NBA gambling case. In doing so, De’Niro Laster, one of Rozier’s alleged co-conspirators, violated the conditions of his release, according to prosecutors
The government now accuses Laster of interfering with witnesses and obstructing justice by trying to sway their evidence and threatening them, including through posts on social media. Prosecutors allege that he tried to obstruct the investigation as early as 2024, more than a year before authorities took him into custody.
In a 13-page letter filed with the Eastern District of New York on Wednesday, prosecutors said, “The government must prepare for trial and should not be put in the untenable position of having to instead direct its efforts towards constantly re-investigating a defendant on bond who is repeatedly attempting to tamper with the judicial process.”
Social media appears to be the focus of the alleged threats
Front Office Sports reports that Laster and other conspirators allegedly voiced fears that someone whose identity was suppressed was assisting the government at some point after September 2024. In response, Laster’s social media accounts have shared content with a rat emoji, which prosecutors explained, “generally refers to a person who is perceived as a snitch, informant, or someone who cooperates with law enforcement or provides information about others to the authorities.”
A “crew” known as “GMB,” which consists of Laster, Terry Rozier, and other associates, is another source of concern for the authorities. According to the prosecution, the group demonstrated that they had “access to guns” by posting pictures on social media before they faced charges. The “online flaunting of gun access” has exacerbated the government’s concerns about possible threats.
Rozier’s attorney, David Markus, told Front Office Sports that GMB stands for “Get More Blessings,” adding, “In this case, GMB stands for ‘government’s massive blunder.'”
Rozier, who has been charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud, conspiracy to commit money laundering, bribery in sporting contests, and honest services wire fraud conspiracy, is set to go to trial on February 8, 2027. Earlier this week, he asked a federal judge to throw out two of the four charges he faces based on a pair of text messages.