Crime
We moved Boulder Crime News and police blotter out of News and made it a primary category. Even though crime news is the highest in analytic s some readers complain because it ruins non violent news. Our readers and viewers prefer science, tech environmental and entertainment news. So crime news junkies now have your own bad news section here.
Chauncey Billups Nabbed in Mafia-Linked NBA Gambling Bust
Oct 23rd
Oh No! CU Buff Legend Chauncey Billups Nabbed in Mafia-Linked NBA Gambling Bust
By Channel 1 Sports, October 21 2025 Boulder –
In a stunning fall from grace that has rocked Colorado’s basketball community, University of Colorado icon and NBA Hall of Famer Chauncey Billups was arrested Thursday morning as part of a sprawling federal probe into illegal gambling rings tied to organized crime. The Denver native, who calls the Mile High City home despite his coaching duties with the Portland Trail Blazers, faces charges of wire fraud conspiracy and money laundering in a scheme prosecutors say defrauded victims of tens of millions.
By Channel 1 Sports, October 21 2025 Boulder –
In a stunning fall from grace that has rocked Colorado’s basketball community, University of Colorado icon and NBA Hall of Famer Chauncey Billups was arrested Thursday morning as part of a sprawling federal probe into illegal gambling rings tied to organized crime. The Denver native, who calls the Mile High City home despite his coaching duties with the Portland Trail Blazers, faces charges of wire fraud conspiracy and money laundering in a scheme prosecutors say defrauded victims of tens of millions.
Billups, 49, a five-time All-Star and the 2004 NBA Finals MVP with the Detroit Pistons, was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame just last year. His Buffs tenure from 1995-97 remains legendary: a third-team All-American in his junior year, averaging 19.2 points and 5.8 assists, leading CU to the NIT semifinals. Denver fans adored “Mr. Big Shot” as a hometown hero, his Pistons championship parade drawing Rockies crowds. Now, that legacy hangs in the balance.
Federal authorities in Brooklyn, coordinating with the FBI and NYPD’s Joint Organized Crime Task Force, unsealed indictments against 34 defendants, including Billups, Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier, and ex-NBA player Damon Jones.
The operation allegedly involved four New York Mafia families – Bonanno, Gambino, Lucchese, and Genovese – rigging high-stakes underground poker games in Miami, New York, Las Vegas, and the Hamptons.
Prosecutors claim Billups served as a “face card,” lending star power to lure wealthy “fish” into the traps. Games used marked cards, rigged shufflers, and special lenses to ensure losses, funneling cash to mob coffers. A parallel probe accuses insiders of using non-public NBA info for prop bets, echoing last year’s Jontay Porter scandal. “This is the insider trading saga for the NBA,” declared FBI Director Kash Patel at a Brooklyn courthouse presser. U.S. Attorney Joseph Nocella Jr. called it a “nationwide scheme to dupe unsuspecting gamblers,” exploiting athletes’ trust.
Billups was apprehended in Portland hours after coaching the Blazers’ season-opening loss to Minnesota. The NBA swiftly placed him and Rozier on leave, vowing cooperation. “We take these allegations with the utmost seriousness,” the league stated. Billups’ attorney was unavailable for comment, but Rozier’s lawyer blasted the arrest as baseless, citing prior NBA clearance.In Boulder, CU Athletics Director Rick George expressed heartbreak: “Chauncey’s impact on our program is indelible, but we support the legal process.” Buffs fans flooded social media, mixing disbelief with tributes to his 17-year career.
The probe, years in the making, underscores gambling’s dark underbelly in sports. As arraignments loom – Billups in Portland, then New York – questions swirl: How deep did Denver’s son go? For now, the court of public opinion awaits answers, tarnishing a Buff great’s golden shot.
Dan Caruso drops hammer on Boulders housing policies, Cities failure to address crime.
Oct 4th
Dan Caruso drops hammer on Boulders housing policies, Cities failure to address crime. In Boulder Caruso said today: ” Since 2020, serious crimes—“crimes against society” and “crimes against persons”—have risen significantly. Safety is not a side issue; it is the foundation on which everything else depends. ”
Caruso also said in his newsletter: “The City’s strained budget is directly tied to its failure to keep Boulder safe, secure, and clean. Half-empty business parks east of 28th Street and vacant storefronts on Pearl Street are lost opportunities. When good businesses stay away and working families can’t afford to live here, Boulder forfeits not only tax revenue but also the vitality that comes from a strong cluster of local employers.
Boulder’s culture and economy both suffer. Council’s housing policies make matters worse. Instead of enabling new housing for working families, bureaucracy delays projects, adds costs, and drives up prices. The result is a vicious cycle: fewer businesses and residents, more vacancies, declining revenues, and an even weaker ability to maintain safety and services. ” Caruso went on to tell this story cited in local news: “An owner of a 32 year downtown local restaurant echoed this frustration in an email to City Council: Yesterday at 5 PM, I biked through Central Park, past the Farmers Market, and by Penfield Tate/City Council Chambers.
What I encountered was deeply concerning. In addition to the presence of drug add
icts sprawled throughout the park, the area was covered in dirty laundry, feces, vomit, and urine. This is not just a matter of homelessness; it is a matter of neglect and public safety. This is unacceptable, especially considering the recent opening of a $150 million hotel downtown.
Visitors walking past this filth will be deterred from returning. Boulder has the resources and the responsibility to do better. Our parks and public spaces deserve consistent, professional maintenance to ensure safety and dignity for all residents and visitors. “
Boulder Channel 1 News Briefs: Redford Trump D.A. Scott
Sep 17th
1. DA Probes Social Media’s Role in Kirk Assassination
Boulder’s District Attorney is investigating social media algorithms on platforms like Facebook and Reddit, probing their role in radicalizing youth toward violence. The investigation follows the assassination of conservative campus speaker Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University last week by suspect Tyler Robinson, deemed “terminally online.”
Authorities linked Robinson’s radicalization to Discord and online echo chambers, recovering a high-powered rifle. The DA aims to subpoena platform data to trace influence paths, sparking debates on tech accountability. Over 30 educators were fired for celebratory posts. Community leaders urge Boulder youth to report toxic content, emphasizing digital literacy amid rising political tensions.
Boulder’s District Attorney is investigating social media algorithms on platforms like Facebook and Reddit, probing their role in radicalizing youth toward violence. The investigation follows the assassination of conservative campus speaker Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University last week by suspect Tyler Robinson, deemed “terminally online.”
Authorities linked Robinson’s radicalization to Discord and online echo chambers, recovering a high-powered rifle. The DA aims to subpoena platform data to trace influence paths, sparking debates on tech accountability. Over 30 educators were fired for celebratory posts. Community leaders urge Boulder youth to report toxic content, emphasizing digital literacy amid rising political tensions. 2. Jann Scott Shares Redford Letter on Homeless Doc
Local filmmaker Jann Scott revealed a heartfelt letter from the late Robert Redford, who died Tuesday at 89, praising Scott’s 1990s award-winning documentary about a Boulder homeless man.
Redford called it a “quiet masterpiece” capturing humanity’s struggles. 
Scott said the note rekindled memories of Boulder’s compassionate spirit. “Bob saw the soul in the story,” Scott shared. The doc, highlighting life on Pearl Street, won regional acclaim. With Redford’s Boulder ties—from CU to Sundance—Scott plans screenings to honor him. Fans celebrate the Hollywood-local connection.
Local filmmaker Jann Scott revealed a heartfelt letter from the late Robert Redford, who died Tuesday at 89, praising Scott’s 1990s award-winning documentary about a Boulder homeless man.
Redford called it a “quiet masterpiece” capturing humanity’s struggles. Scott said the note rekindled memories of Boulder’s compassionate spirit. “Bob saw the soul in the story,” Scott shared. The doc, highlighting life on Pearl Street, won regional acclaim. With Redford’s Boulder ties—from CU to Sundance—Scott plans screenings to honor him. Fans celebrate the Hollywood-local connection. 3. Boulder’s Brits Buzz Over Trump’s Windsor Visit
Boulder’s British expat community, over 5,000 strong, is thrilled as President Trump visits Windsor Castle today for his second UK state visit, hosted by King Charles III. Local Brits, gathered at the British-American Society, cheered the Red Arrows flypast and royal banquets.
“Pure pageantry!” said Emma Hargrove, a CU lecturer. Boulder Channel 1’s editor, Jann Scott, a former International Times reporter in England, fondly recalls UK days. Despite London protests, Boulder Brits focus on diplomacy, hosting watch parties.
“Pure pageantry!” said Emma Hargrove, a CU lecturer. Boulder Channel 1’s editor, Jann Scott, a former International Times reporter in England, fondly recalls UK days. Despite London protests, Boulder Brits focus on diplomacy, hosting watch parties. 
