Federal authorities have charged seven Chilean nationals in connection with a series of high-profile burglaries targeting prominent NFL athletes, including Kansas City Chiefs’ Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce, as well as Cincinnati Bengals’ Joe Burrow. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida announced the indictments, revealing that the suspects are linked to a South American theft group responsible for stealing over $2 million in valuables from the homes of professional athletes across the United States.
The alleged crime spree began in early October 2024, with the homes of Mahomes and Kelce being burglarized on October 5 and 7, respectively. The thieves meticulously planned their heists, capitalizing on the athletes’ game schedules to ensure the homes were unoccupied. According to court documents, the suspects made off with luxury watches, jewelry, designer bags, and even a firearm, highlighting their audacity and the substantial value of the stolen items.
One particularly brazen incident occurred on November 2, 2024, when the Wisconsin residence of Milwaukee Bucks forward Bobby Portis Jr. was targeted. The burglars reportedly stole nearly $1.5 million in property, including high-end watches and jewelry. In a display of arrogance, some of the suspects posed for photographs with the stolen safe and valuables shortly after the burglary, as detailed by the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
The crime wave continued into December, with Joe Burrow’s Cincinnati-area home being burglarized on December 9 while he was in Texas for a game against the Dallas Cowboys. The thieves absconded with approximately $300,000 in designer luggage, watches, and jewelry. This incident underscores the calculated nature of the group’s operations, as they consistently struck when the athletes were occupied with professional commitments.
The seven individuals charged are Pablo Zuniga Cartes, 24; Ignacio Zuniga Cartes, 20; Bastian Jimenez Freraut, 27; Jordan Quiroga Sanchez, 22; Bastian Orellano Morales, 23; Alexander Huiaguil Chavez, 24; and Sergio Ortega Cabello, 38. They face charges of conspiracy to commit interstate transportation of stolen property, which carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison.
This case sheds light on a broader trend of organized theft rings targeting high-profile individuals, exploiting their public schedules to execute meticulously planned burglaries. The arrests serve as a stark reminder for public figures to enhance personal security measures and remain vigilant about potential threats. Authorities continue to investigate the extent of the theft ring’s operations, aiming to recover the stolen property and prevent future incidents of this nature.
