7 men charged in connection with burglaries of professional athletes’ homes

The defendants are accused of stealing valuables worth more than $2 million.

Federal prosecutors in Tampa charged seven alleged members of a South American theft ring accused of burglarizing the homes of NFL and NBA athletes, including Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce, stealing over $2 million in valuables.

Seven Chilean nationals were charged with conspiracy to commit interstate transportation of stolen property in connection with burglarizing the homes of professional athletes, facing up to 10 years in prison if convicted. A complaint includes a photo of three defendants and an unidentified individual posing with stolen valuables from a November 2024 burglary at NBA player Bobby Portis’ home.

The theft group allegedly stole nearly $1.5 million in valuables, including a safe filled with watches, jewelry, and cash, as well as designer bags and a suitcase. One suspect was seen wearing a Kansas City Chiefs shirt in a photo with stolen items, possibly referencing the burglaries of Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce. The group was also linked to an October 2024 burglary at a Tampa Bay Buccaneers player’s home, where they stole $167,000 worth of items.

The theft group was also connected to a December 2024 burglary at a Memphis Grizzlies player’s home while the team played Golden State in Memphis. According to the complaint, the burglars stole $1 million worth of jewelry, watches, and luxury bags.

Three defendants also face charges in Ohio for a December 2024 burglary at Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow’s home. The complaint detailed their method: tracking athletes’ schedules, breaking in via windows or pried doors, stealing high-value items, and using disposable phones to evade law enforcement.

Prosecutors noted that at least one burglary took place in Hillsborough, Florida, where the complaint was filed. The theft group allegedly rented vehicles in Florida, which were later found near burglaries of high-profile athletes across the country. The FBI had previously warned sports leagues about these organized theft rings.