Chilean Nationals Indicted for String of High-Profile Athlete Burglaries Across the U.S.

Federal authorities announced on Tuesday that seven Chilean nationals have been indicted for a series of burglaries targeting prominent athletes, including NFL stars Travis Kelce and Patrick Mahomes. These crimes spanned multiple states, reflecting a coordinated effort to exploit professional athletes’ schedules.

According to a federal complaint unsealed on Tuesday, these individuals began their alleged burglary spree in October 2024. Their targets were notably athletes from the National Football League and National Basketball Association, as they utilized publicly available schedules to identify suitable times for break-ins when players were away attending games.

Operational Tactics of the Theft Group

The suspects belonged to a South American Theft Group, commonly referred to as SATG. The complaint outlines how easily accessible schedules of professional sports teams can aid individuals in planning their criminal activities. It states, “In many circumstances, professional sports teams will publicize their schedules and locations of their games, making it easy for the SATG to know when a particular athlete will be away from his residence.”

In a recent case, a photograph released by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida shows the suspects posing with stolen merchandise. One individual can be seen wearing gear from the Kansas City Chiefs, indicating they likely had items stolen from NFL players.

Details of the Allegations

The federal complaint identifies four new defendants alongside three previously named suspects: Jordan Quiroga Sanchez, age 22, Bastian Orellano Morales, age 23, and Sergio Ortega Cabello, age 38. The new suspects include Pablo Zuniga Cartes, age 24; Ignacio Zuniga Cartes, age 20; Alexander Huiaguil Chavez, age 24; and Bastian Jimenez Freraut, age 27.

Authorities stated that on November 2, 2024, the group was caught celebrating their heist at the residence of a player from the Milwaukee Bucks. This incident coincided with the burglary of Bobby Portis’s home, where he lamented on social media that he experienced a home invasion that resulted in the loss of many cherished possessions.

Additional Targets and Incidents

The complaint illustrates that other athletes also fell victim to these burglars. Notably, the homes of Chiefs players Mahomes and Kelce were burglarized within days of each other, specifically on October 5 and 7, 2024. Similar incidents also involved players from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Cincinnati Bengals, and Memphis Grizzlies, although the names of these players were not immediately disclosed.

Charges and Potential Consequences

All seven defendants face charges of conspiracy to commit the interstate transportation of stolen property. If convicted, each could receive up to ten years in federal prison. As of now, the information regarding legal representation for the defendants is not available.

This complaint follows a recent alert issued by the NFL, highlighting the growing trend of burglaries targeting professional athletes by organized crime groups. In a memo shared with teams and the NFL Players Association, the league expressed concern for the safety of its players.

Safety Precautions Recommended for Athletes

In light of these events, law enforcement agencies have advised athletes to enhance their home security measures. Recommendations include installing comprehensive security systems and refraining from sharing real-time updates on social media about their whereabouts or displaying luxury items publicly. Authorities noted that burglars have employed various tactics, from masquerading as groundskeepers to performing deliveries, to conduct surveillance on targeted premises.

The alarming nature of these incidents emphasizes the need for vigilance among athletes who may unknowingly attract criminal interest due to their wealth and fame. The NFL’s proactive communication aims to protect its players as they navigate the challenges of professional sports.

Looking Forward: Athlete Safety and Security Challenges

The spate of burglaries affecting professional athletes poses ongoing challenges in the arena of personal safety and security. As organized crime groups develop cunning tactics, the importance of adequate security measures cannot be overstated. Both teams and athletes are now facing increased pressure to ensure their homes are safe and secure.

With law enforcement and legal authorities now involved, updates on the progression of the case against the seven Chilean nationals will be closely monitored. The combination of heightened security awareness and vigilant law enforcement could potentially mitigate the risks faced by future targets. For athletes, taking proactive steps to protect their belongings is becoming a necessary but unfortunate part of the profession.