Federal Charges Against South American Theft Group Targeting Athletes
Federal authorities on Tuesday announced charges against seven men, all Chilean nationals, who are alleged members of a South American Theft Group. This group is accused of burglarizing the homes of several high-profile athletes, including NFL stars Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce, and Joe Burrow, as well as NBA players. The complaint alleges that the men stole property worth more than $2 million. Each of the seven men faces charges of conspiracy to commit interstate transportation of stolen property, a crime that carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison if they are convicted. In light of these incidents, both the NBA and NFL have issued warnings to their players, urging them to take additional security measures to protect their homes and belongings.
Burglaries in Kansas City and Tampa Bay
The burglaries reportedly began in October in Kansas City, during a time when the Kansas City Chiefs were playing a home game. The complaint details that jewelry, watches, cash, and other valuables were stolen from the homes of Mahomes and Kelce, among others. These thefts were particularly brazen, as they occurred while the athletes were at work, leaving their homes vulnerable. Just weeks later, a Tampa Bay Buccaneers player was also victimized by the group, with a similar pattern of theft occurring during a home game. The coordinated nature of these burglaries suggests a level of sophistication and planning that goes beyond typical petty crime.
Milwaukee Bucks Player’s Home Targeted
In early November, a Milwaukee Bucks player, reportedly Bobby Portis, had his home burglarized during a home game. The thieves made off with a substantial haul, including watches, chains, cash, and designer bags. Portis took to social media to express his distress and offered a reward for any information leading to the recovery of his stolen items or the arrest of the perpetrators. His tweet highlights the personal and financial toll these crimes take on the athletes and their families, turning what should be a sanctuary into a site of vulnerability and loss.
High-Profile Victims in Cincinnati and Memphis
The thefts continued with alarming regularity. In early December, Joe Burrow’s home in Cincinnati was burglarized while the Bengals were playing in Texas. The complaint states that about $300,000 worth of designer goods were stolen during this break-in. Just 10 days later, a Memphis Grizzlies player suffered a significant loss when about $1 million worth of luxury goods were taken from his home while the team was playing a home game. These incidents underscore the widespread and organized nature of the criminal activity, targeting not just individual players but entire cities and teams.
Additional High-Profile Victims
While the incidents listed in the complaint are primarily focused on the group of seven men charged, the list of high-profile athletes being targeted grew earlier this month. LAFC striker Olivier Giroud had about $500,000 worth of items stolen from his Los Angeles-area home on February 5. Giroud and his family were not home at the time, and the burglars reportedly broke in by smashing a window, making off with jewelry, including 10 luxury watches, and other items. In December, Dallas Mavericks star Luka Dončić’s home was also broken into, resulting in the theft of $30,000 worth of jewelry. Minnesota Timberwolves guard Mike Conley Jr. was another reported burglary victim last fall. It remains unclear who committed the alleged burglaries of Giroud, Dončić, and Conley, but the pattern of targeting high-profile athletes is unmistakable.
The Broader Impact on the Sports Community
These burglaries have sent shockwaves through the sports community, highlighting the need for enhanced security measures and vigilance. The personal nature of these crimes, where athletes’ homes and families are directly impacted, adds an emotional dimension that cannot be overstated. The financial losses are significant, but the emotional and psychological toll on the athletes and their families is equally profound. The NBA and NFL’s warnings to their players reflect an ongoing concern and a proactive stance to prevent further incidents. As the legal process unfolds, the hope is that these charges will serve as a deterrent and bring the individuals responsible to justice, providing a measure of closure and security for the affected athletes.
