Federal prosecutors want to put Terry Rozier’s childhood friend and alleged co-conspirator back in jail over claims he has tried to influence witnesses, including through threats. Rozier’s attorney says this is a “desperate attempt” by the government to portray the former NBA guard and his associates in a negative light.
De’Niro Laster was first charged in the government’s sprawling sports betting case last October. According to the indictment, Rozier—while he was still on the Hornets—informed Laster he would pretend to be hurt and prematurely take himself out of a March 2023 game. Laster then allegedly sold that information to multiple co-conspirators, who bet the under on multiple Rozier lines for about $100,000.
Laster, who has been free on bond, has violated the conditions of his release, according to the government, which has accused him of obstructing justice and tampering with witnesses by attempting to influence their testimony and intimidating them, including through social media posts.
“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,” prosecutors said in a significantly redacted 13-page letter filed with the Eastern District of New York on Wednesday.
