A 50-year-old man, Liyong Ye, was just sentenced to 20 years to life in prison for the murder of his wife and the attempted murder of her two young children.

On June 17, Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez announced the sentencing. Ye pleaded guilty to second-degree murder and two counts of second-degree attempted murder for the horrific attack that happened on August 23, 2023.

According to court records, Ye attacked 43-year-old Zhao Zhao and her children, who were just 5 and 3 years old, inside their apartment on 531 52nd Street.

He beat them with a hammer and strangled Zhao. The children were critically injured but survived after emergency treatment at Bellevue Hospital and months of rehabilitation. Tragically, Zhao died from severe blunt force trauma.

The couple had been arguing about living conditions in their overcrowded apartment, which they shared with other families and roommates.

A roommate walked in on the scene, called 911, and Ye was arrested not long after. This case has hit many locals hard, sparking fresh conversations about the devastating impact of domestic violence.

A Devastating Loss for the Family

Cases like this just destroy families. Those two little kids are going to carry the scars from that awful day for the rest of their lives, and their loved ones are left trying to make sense of the unthinkable while searching for any bit of closure.

Domestic violence is messy and complicated, and quite often its hurt spreads through the entire community.

The Role of the Justice System and Support for Those Affected

At least in this case, the justice system held the person responsible accountable.

Still, for families and survivors left dealing with the aftermath of domestic violence, the legal process can be long, confusing, and completely exhausting.

Having someone who knows how things work can make a big difference — helping families understand their rights, navigate the court system, and connect with the protections and resources available.

If you or someone you care about is going through this, whether you’re trying to find safety, supporting a loved one, or facing related legal issues, reaching out for compassionate, experienced legal support can really help during one of the hardest times.

Seeking Compassionate Legal Help in New York

If your family has been affected by domestic violence, assault, or another serious crime, you don’t have to face all of this alone. Here at Bukh Law, our attorneys have been helping people across Brooklyn get through tough criminal and family violence cases for years.

We take the time to really listen and handle each family’s situation with the care it deserves.

If you think it might help, schedule a free phone call with our team. Just leave your contact information on the Brooklyn Law website. We’re here to listen and help you take the next step whenever you’re ready.

Prosecutors claim he and another former NBA player served as “face cards,” drawing wealthy gamblers into rigged high-stakes games in Las Vegas, New York, the Hamptons, and Miami.

The scheme reportedly relied on hidden cameras, marked cards, X-ray devices under tables, and insider betting information, with victims losing approximately $9.5 million.

Billups faces wire fraud and money laundering charges and has pleaded not guilty. Several co-defendants have already entered plea deals as prosecutors review hundreds of hours of evidence.

Athletes Under Federal Scrutiny

Athletes frequently find themselves under federal investigation for a wide range of reasons.

Beyond on-court performance, common triggers include involvement in illegal gambling or sports betting schemes, as seen historically with Pete Rose’s lifetime ban for betting on baseball.

Failed drug tests and accusations of using performance-enhancing drugs put athletes under a harsh spotlight—just look at what happened to Lance Armstrong and Marion Jones.

There are other stories, too. Athletes get tangled up in financial crimes, money laundering through investments or gambling, not paying taxes on big paydays, ties to organized crime, or even assault and domestic violence charges that hit the federal level when guns cross state lines or travel gets involved.

Sometimes, it doesn’t take much. Hanging around the wrong business partner, a few suspect transactions, or even just being in someone’s social circle, can drag athletes into major conspiracy investigations with multiple people under suspicion.

How Federal Investigations Work

Federal agents don’t rush in. They build their cases step by step, poring over digital records, tracking money, interviewing witnesses, and listening in on calls.

A routine question can quickly spiral if someone spots big money or organized efforts. History is full of examples where sports stars go from winning championships to fighting for their freedom in court.

The Real Toll on Athletes and Their Families

This isn’t just about courtrooms. Careers stall. Reputations take a hit that can last for years. Sponsorships disappear, and families get caught in the crossfire, facing endless stress and financial worry.

Even with a clean record, just being under investigation turns life upside down. You have to be careful from day one.

Why Bukh Law?

We’ve spent decades defending people in tough federal cases from fraud, money laundering, conspiracy- you name it.  We dig into every shred of evidence, push back against the government’s claims, and build a defense that protects your rights, your career, and your future.

If you or someone you love is facing a federal investigation or has been charged with fraud, conspiracy, or a similar offense, reach out now.

Just fill out the form on our website or contact us directly. When it counts the most, we’re here to guide you and fight for you.

On May 29, 2026, prosecutors in Brooklyn federal court filed a superseding indictment that adds bribery in sporting contests and a conspiracy to commit honest services wire fraud to the existing case against the 32-year-old player.

Rozier has consistently denied any involvement in the scheme, and his legal team continues to push back hard against the accusations.

What the Prosecutors Allege

According to the updated charges, Rozier is accused of accepting a bribe to leave a game early back in March 2023 while he was playing for the Charlotte Hornets.

Prosecutors claim he used a lingering leg injury as the reason to exit the game.

This supposedly allowed gamblers to cash in on large bets placed on his performance stats with major sportsbooks.

The government says Rozier ended up receiving around $70,000 after the gamblers reduced the original $100,000 bribe when one of the bets did not go their way.

He apparently grabbed more rebounds than expected, which affected the outcome. The indictment also claims he defrauded not just the betting companies but also the NBA and his own team.

Rozier remains out on a $3 million bond but has not played at all this season.

Why This Case Matters

Bribery and wire fraud are heavy federal charges. In plain terms, the case centers on whether a player took money to influence the outcome of a game in a way that affected betting lines.

With sports gambling now legal in many states, cases like this are becoming more common as authorities try to protect the integrity of professional sports.

This investigation is also connected to other people who have already pleaded guilty, including former NBA player Damon Jones and sports bettor Marves Fairley.

Rozier’s attorneys argue that some of the government’s legal theories are weak, especially after recent Supreme Court rulings that narrowed parts of the federal wire fraud law.

Facing Federal Charges? Bukh Law Can Help

Facing a federal investigation is incredibly stressful and overwhelming. One minute, everything seems normal, and the next, your whole world is on the line.

At Buhk Law, we take the time to listen to and understand our clients’ situations, then build a strong, aggressive defense focused on protecting your freedom and your reputation.

Contact Bukh Law

If you or someone you love has been hit with criminal charges, Don’t wait; the earlier we get involved, the better. We’ll set up a confidential consultation and discuss the issue in depth with you.

Details of the Secret Chinese Police Station Case

The jury decided that Lu Jianwang broke the law in two main ways. First, he acted as an unregistered agent for the Chinese government.

This means he worked for another country’s government without officially telling the United States. Second, he deleted important messages, which is called obstructing justice.

Prosecutors explained that Lu used a small community center to watch, bother, and scare people who spoke out against the Chinese government.

These were Chinese people living peacefully in the United States. Lu said the center was only for friendly activities like playing games, eating meals together, and helping with simple paperwork. But the jury found that the center was also used for other purposes based on the evidence shown in court.

Why the New York Chinese Police Station Case Matters

Many regular people might ask: “Why should I care about this if I am not from China?” The answer is simple and important for everyone. When any foreign country sets up secret operations here, it can affect the basic freedoms that people enjoy in the United States.

Everyone living in the country , no matter their background , should feel safe to speak their mind without fear of being watched or threatened by another government.

This case is part of a bigger effort by U.S. authorities. In recent years, they have been working on more cases like this in large cities with many different communities.

These efforts focus on stopping what experts call “transnational repression.” That is when a government tries to control or frighten its own citizens who now live in another country.

Serious Federal Charges in Foreign Agent Cases

The federal government takes cases like this seriously. Prosecutors dig deep for evidence. They go through phone records, text messages, videos, and sometimes they work with other countries.

If someone’s found guilty, the punishments can be harsh, including long prison sentences and hefty fines.

Even if you thought you were just helping your community, you could still get in trouble with the feds.

Bukh Law Firm for National Security Cases

At Bukh Law, we fight for people facing tough federal charges. These cases are complicated, sometimes they cross international borders, involve national security, or big business deals. Our team knows how these investigations work because we’ve handled them before.

We break things down so you can understand what’s happening. We dig into every piece of evidence, protect your rights, and aim for the best outcome.

Whether your case just started or you’re already in court, having us by your side early makes a difference. Fast advice from experienced lawyers takes some of the pressure off and can lead to a better result.

Get in touch with Bukh Law Firm today for a private, honest conversation. Leave your info on our website. We’ll listen, then we’ll give you straight answers.