OCEANSIDE, NY (November 8, 2025) — A man reported as from Mamaroneck and New Rochelle who was arrested in August with an expandable metal baton and switchblade knife during a Long Island traffic stop has since been charged federally as a Gambino crime family associate in a sweeping rigged poker scheme involving NBA figures.
Louis A. Apicella, 50, was stopped Aug. 12, 2025, at 7:54 p.m. at Harrison Avenue and Long Beach Road in Oceanside while driving a 2017 black Mercedes sedan with New York plates.
Nassau County Police Officer Bryan J. Garland observed Apicella change from the left lane to the right lane without signaling, according to court documents.
During the stop, Garland saw Apicella holding a black expandable metal baton in his hand. A search of Apicella’s person revealed a silver switchblade knife in his left front pants pocket.
The baton was determined to be expandable by its ability to expand and lock into place with a black foam handle. The knife opened automatically and locked into a fixed position by pressure on a silver lever in the handle.
Apicella was charged with two counts of criminal possession of a weapon in the fourth degree, both Class A misdemeanors under Penal Law 265.01(2).
He was released on an appearance ticket with a court date of Sept. 3, 2025, at First District Court in Hempstead. Apicella pleaded not guilty at arraignment Sept. 3 and was released on his own recognizance. The case was adjourned multiple times, with the next appearance scheduled for Nov. 24, 2025, before Judge Geoffrey N. Prime in Criminal.
On Oct. 23, 2025, a seven-count federal indictment was unsealed in U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York charging Apicella, also known as “Lou Ap,” as a Gambino crime family associate and member of cheating teams in schemes to rig illegal poker games. The indictment, filed Oct. 9, 2025, alleges Apicella participated in rigged games in East Hampton, Manhattan and elsewhere using modified shuffling machines and other technology.
Thirty-one defendants were arrested in 11 states, including Gambino, Bonanno and Genovese family members and associates, NBA coach Chauncey Billups and former player Damon Jones.
Apicella, described as a New Rochelle resident in the federal indictment, was among those charged with wire fraud, money laundering, extortion and operating an illegal gambling business.
He was released on a $100,000 unsecured bond Oct. 24, 2025, despite prosecutors’ objections.
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This article was drafted with the aid of Grok, an AI tool by xAI, under the direction and editing of Robert Cox to ensure accuracy and adherence to journalistic standards.
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