TAMPA, Fla. – Burglary Ring: Federal prosecutors have charged seven alleged members of a South American theft group accused of burglarizing the homes of NFL and NBA athletes, including Kansas City Chiefs stars Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce.
The group reportedly targeted athletes while they were away playing games, stealing more than $2 million worth of watches, jewelry, luxury bags, and cash, according to the federal complaint filed in Tampa on Tuesday.
Who Are the Defendants?
The following individuals, all from Chile, have been charged with conspiracy to commit interstate transportation of stolen property, a crime punishable by up to 10 years in prison:
- Pablo Zuniga Cartes, 24
- Ignacio Zuniga Cartes, 20
- Bastian Jimenez Freraut, 27
- Jordan Quiroga Sanchez, 22
- Bastian Orellano Morales, 23
- Alexander Huiaguil Chavez, 24
- Sergio Ortega Cabello, 38
How the Theft Ring Operated
According to the FBI, the group followed a “clear and consistent modus operandi”:
- Identifying targets using publicly available game schedules.
- Breaking in through windows or prying open sliding doors.
- Stealing high-value items such as watches, jewelry, and designer bags.
- Using “throw phones” for short periods to evade law enforcement.
Major Burglaries Linked to the Group
Kansas City Chiefs Players (October 2024): The homes of Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce were burglarized, with valuables stolen.
Bobby Portis (Milwaukee Bucks – November 2024): A safe containing watches, jewelry, and cash valued at nearly $1.5 million was stolen. One of the defendants was later photographed wearing a Kansas City Chiefs shirt, believed to reference the earlier burglaries.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers Player (October 2024): A Tampa-based NFL player’s home was burglarized while the team played against the Baltimore Ravens, resulting in $167,000 in stolen items.
Memphis Grizzlies Player (December 2024): While the team faced Golden State, burglars stole $1 million worth of luxury goods from a player’s home.
Joe Burrow (Cincinnati Bengals – December 2024): Three of the defendants face additional charges in Ohio related to the burglary of Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow.
DHS Launches Ad Campaign Warning Against Illegal Immigration
FBI Crackdown on Organized Theft Groups
The FBI issued a formal warning last year to major sports leagues, alerting them about international theft rings that specifically target professional athletes.
Prosecutors stated that the theft group rented vehicles in Florida, which were later found near multiple burglary locations across the country. At least one burglary occurred in Hillsborough County, Florida, where the complaint was officially filed.
Online court records do not yet list attorneys for the defendants.
As investigations continue, professional athletes remain at high risk, and law enforcement is urging sports teams to increase security measures.
