Georgetown, Texas, October 26, 2025
News Summary
Curtis Meeks, 41, was arrested in Georgetown, Texas, for his role in a nationwide illegal poker scheme that defrauded players of over $7 million. Meeks is one of 33 individuals indicted, with accusations of employing advanced cheating strategies to manipulate game outcomes. The indictment includes serious charges like wire fraud conspiracy and money laundering, with ties to organized crime and notable figures in professional sports being investigated. This case, part of ‘Operation Nothing But Net,’ raises concerns about gambling integrity in sports.
Georgetown, Texas – Curtis Meeks, 41, was arrested in connection with a nationwide illegal poker scheme involving cheating that deceived players out of millions. Meeks is one of 33 individuals indicted for their roles in this operation, which has drawn attention to serious breaches of integrity in sports gambling. The indictment alleges that between 2019 and the present, the group collectively cheated victims out of more than $7 million, employing advanced technology to rig poker games across the United States.
The indictment specifically details several sophisticated cheating methods. These included the use of rigged shuffling machines, electronic poker chip trays, and contact lenses designed to read cards, allowing the conspirators to manipulate game outcomes. Weekly poker games took place at various locations, backed by organized crime network members associated with notorious crime families such as the Lucchese, Bonanno, Gambino, and Genovese families.
Meeks faces multiple serious charges, including wire fraud conspiracy and money laundering conspiracy. The indictment against him includes seven counts of federal offenses. His involvement in the scheme has also implicated notable figures in professional basketball, including Portland Trail Blazers coach Chauncey Billups and former NBA player Damon Jones. Additionally, former NBA player Jontay Porter has been previously charged in connection with the case.
Federal officials have described the investigation, dubbed “Operation Nothing But Net,” as a two-year-long inquiry that has led to the arrests of individuals engaged in organized crime. The concerns raised by this investigation spotlight the potentially harmful impact on the integrity of professional sports, as gambling and the associated manipulation of game outcomes come into question.
In response to these alarming allegations, federal authorities have pledged to cooperate fully with ongoing inquiries. As the investigation unfolds, it highlights a troubling trend in which some players allegedly faked injuries to influence game results, deepening the concerns surrounding the intersection of gambling and professional sports.
As of now, an attorney for Meeks has not been listed, but efforts are underway to reach out for a response once that information becomes available. The ramifications of these charges not only affect those directly involved but also cast a shadow over the integrity of sports gambling nationwide.
Background Context
The operation’s sophisticated techniques and involvement of organized crime illustrate the risks associated with illegal gambling. The legal implications stretch beyond individual charges, as the outcomes of these investigations may reshape future perspectives on gambling integrity within sports leagues.
Key Features of the Poker Scheme
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Arrest Location | Georgetown, Texas |
| Key Individual Arrested | Curtis Meeks |
| Total Indicted Individuals | 33 |
| Amount Cheated | Over $7 million |
| Criminal Networks Involved | Lucchese, Bonanno, Gambino, Genovese families |
| NBA Figures Implicated | Chauncey Billups, Damon Jones, Jontay Porter |
| Charges Against Meeks | Wire fraud conspiracy, money laundering conspiracy |
| Investigation Name | Operation Nothing But Net |
FAQ
What is Curtis Meeks arrested for?
Curtis Meeks was arrested in connection with a nationwide illegal poker scheme involving cheating.
How many individuals were indicted for this poker scheme?
A total of 33 individuals were indicted for their involvement in the operation.
How much money did the group cheat victims out of?
Together, the defendants are accused of cheating victims out of over $7 million since 2019.
What kind of cheating technology was allegedly used?
Advanced cheating technologies included rigged shuffling machines, electronic poker chip trays, and contact lenses designed to read cards.
What organized crime families are linked to this case?
The scheme is linked to organized crime networks, including members of the Lucchese, Bonanno, Gambino, and Genovese crime families.
What charges is Meeks facing?
Meeks is facing charges of wire fraud conspiracy and money laundering conspiracy.
What is Operation Nothing But Net?
Operation Nothing But Net is a legal investigation that spans two years regarding the rigged poker scheme.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Major Crackdown on Illegal Poker Scheme in Central Texas
Additional Resources
- KXAN: Central Texas Man Linked with Rigged Poker Case
- Wikipedia: Gambling
- CBS Austin: NBA Figures Charged in Massive Betting Scandal
- Google Search: NBA Betting Scandal
- KVUE: Rigged Poker Scheme and NBA in Central Texas
- Google Scholar: Organized Crime and Gambling
- NewsRadio KLBJ: Trail Blazers Coach Among Those Arrested
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Organized Crime
- CBS Sports: Chauncey Billups and Terry Rozier Arrested
- Google News: Poker Scandal NBA
Author: STAFF HERE GEORGETOWN
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