According to a recent U.S. Department of Justice announcement, seven Chilean nationals have been charged in connection with a nationwide burglary spree targeting the homes of high-profile professional athletes. Their alleged victims include an unnamed Tampa Bay Buccaneers player, multiple Kansas City Chiefs players (reportedly including Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce), a Cincinnati Bengals player (allegedly Joe Burrow), and two NBA athletes from the Milwaukee Bucks (reportedly Bobby Portis) and Memphis Grizzlies.
Key Points:
- Modus Operandi: Court documents state the suspects typically broke into homes through a forced entry—either shattering a window or prying open a sliding door with a crowbar—while the athletes were away, often playing in games.
- Property Stolen: Valuables worth more than $2 million were taken, ranging from jewelry, designer watches, and luxury luggage to firearms.
- Charges & Potential Penalties: Each suspect faces up to 10 years in prison if convicted. The complaint specifies at least one of the accused lives in the Middle District of Florida.
- Timing and Locations: The burglaries reportedly occurred in October and November of 2024, affecting residences in Florida, Missouri, Wisconsin, and other states.
- Evidence: Investigators released a photograph allegedly showing some of the suspects posing with a stolen safe and jewelry after one of the break-ins.
This legal action underscores growing law enforcement efforts to address organized, cross-state burglary rings that specifically target affluent or high-profile individuals. Further details may emerge as the case proceeds through the federal court system.
