[ad_1]
Prosecutors question whether Rozier created a defense conflict by bankrolling his co-defendant’s attorney in the high-profile fraud case
Federal prosecutors have alerted a judge to what they describe as a “serious potential conflict of interest” involving one of the defendants and close friends charged alongside NBA player Terry Rozier in a federal wire fraud case, according to a letter filed in court this week via EDNY.
Miami Heat guard and accused gambling conspirator Terry Rozier is paying the legal expenses of a co-defendant, creating an untenable conflict of interest, federal prosecutors say. https://t.co/9pP8BAPLb8
— NBC News (@NBCNews) December 17, 2025
In the filing, prosecutors told the court that defendant Deniro Laster’s attorney is being paid by Rozier or entities associated with him, raising questions about whether Laster is receiving “conflict-free” legal advice. The letter, submitted by the US Attorney’s Office for the EDNY, asks the judge to conduct a formal hearing to determine whether Laster understands the risks of continuing with his current lawyer.
According to prosecutors, financial records show Laster has “no meaningful income,” earning roughly $200 per month, and relied heavily on funds from Rozier’s company
“GMB Chronicles,” which reportedly paid him more than $165,000 between 2022 and 2025. Laster’s attorney confirmed that Rozier is, in fac,t paying legal fees in the current criminal case. Rozier’s “GMB Chronicles LLC” houses the “Scary Terry” trademark for athletic shirts and sports gear.
Prosecutors argued that such an arrangement could compromise Laster’s right to a lawyer whose sole loyalty is to him, noting that a co-defendant paying another co-defendant’s legal fees can create pressure on the attorney to avoid strategies that might harm the payer. They warned that Laster may be discouraged from considering plea negotiations or cooperation if those options could negatively impact Rozier.
The filing also notes public statements made by Rozier’s attorney on national television, in which he suggested Rozier was innocent and implied that a “childhood friend” acted alone. Prosecutors wrote that the description “plainly refers to Laster,” highlighting a direct contradiction between Rozier’s defense strategy and Laster’s interests. The two are widely known as childhood friends, growing up in Shaker Heights, Ohio, with Laster even living with Rozier at one point.
The government asked the court to hold what is known as a Curcio hearing, a proceeding designed to ensure a defendant understands any conflicts stemming from their attorney’s representation. At such a hearing, judges typically advise defendants of their right to
“conflict-free” counsel, their ability to seek a court-appointed lawyer, and the potential consequences of continuing with a conflicted attorney.
Prosecutors said intervention is necessary now to protect Laster’s constitutional rights and to prevent future appeals based on ineffective assistance of counsel.
Scroll to continue reading
Rozier, Laster, and other co-defendants were charged in October 2025 of this year in a federal case alleging a wide-ranging fraud scheme with illegal sports and prop betting. The defendants are due back in court in March of 2026 for the next status hearing.
[ad_2]
Lauren Conlin
Source link
