BREAKING NEWS TONIGHT, FEDERAL PROSECUTORS IN TAMPA HAVE CHARGED SEVEN MEMBERS OF A SOUTH AMERICAN THEFT GROUP IN THE HOME BURGLARIES OF CHIEFS QUARTERBACK PATRICK MAHOMES AND TIGHT END TRAVIS KELCE. THREE OF THE MEMBERS ALSO FACE CHARGES IN THE BURGLARY OF CINCINNATI BENGALS QUARTERBACK JOE BURROW HOME. FEDERAL AGENTS SAY THE MEN TARGETED THE HOMES OF PRO ATHLETES WHILE THEY WERE AWAY PLAYING FOR THEIR TEAMS. THEY WERE ACCUSED OF STEALING MORE THAN $2 MILLION WORTH OF VALUABLES. IF CONVICTED, THEY COULD FACE A MAXIMUM TEN YEARS IN PRISON. BUT THERE’S NO WORD TON
Federal charges filed in Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce home burglaries
Federal prosecutors have charged seven members of a South American theft group in connection with the burglaries of Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce.Acting U.S. Attorney Sara C. Sweeney announced the unsealing of a criminal complaint charging seven Chilean nationals with conspiracy to commit interstate transportation of stolen property in relation to a series of burglaries targeting professional athletes across the country.The defendants—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—allegedly belonged to a South American theft group that stole more than $2 million in valuables from the homes of NFL and NBA players while they were away competing.Court documents state that Zuniga Cartes was wearing a Chiefs shirt in a photo discovered by authorities.According to the complaint, burglaries occurred in several cities:Kansas City area (Oct. 5 and 7, 2024) – The homes of Kelce and Mahomes were burglarized, with jewelry, watches, cash, and other luxury items stolen. Tampa, Fla. (Oct. 21, 2024) – The home of a Tampa Bay Buccaneers player was burglarized during a game, resulting in the theft of jewelry, designer watches, a luxury suitcase, and a firearm.Milwaukee, Wis. (Nov. 2, 2024) – The home of a Milwaukee Bucks player was burglarized during a game, with a safe containing jewelry, cash, and other valuables worth approximately $1.48 million stolen.Cincinnati, Ohio (Dec. 9, 2024) – The home of Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow was burglarized while the team played in Arlington, Texas. Designer luggage, glasses, watches, and jewelry worth about $300,000 were stolen. Ortega Cabello allegedly rented a vehicle used in the crime.Memphis, Tenn. (Dec. 19-20, 2024) – The home of a Memphis Grizzlies player was burglarized during a game, with approximately $1 million in jewelry, watches, and luxury bags stolen.If convicted, each defendant faces up to 10 years in federal prison.The investigation was conducted by the FBI and the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, with assistance from multiple federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies.Previous coverage:FBI issues warning after burglaries of nine athletes, including Mahomes and KelceBurglaries of Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce's homes may be linked to South American crime ringPatrick Mahomes’ and Travis Kelce’s homes burglarized, records showMilwaukee Bucks player break-in could have a link to Mahomes, Kelce burglaries, police sayNFL reportedly issues security alert after recent athlete burglaries, including Mahomes and KelceNBA memo to players urges increased vigilance regarding home security following break-insKansas City Chiefs star Travis Kelce’s stolen watch recovered in Rhode IslandNFL players' homes targeted by burglars, security experts offer advice
KANSAS CITY, Mo. —
Federal prosecutors have charged seven members of a South American theft group in connection with the burglaries of Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce.
Acting U.S. Attorney Sara C. Sweeney announced the unsealing of a criminal complaint charging seven Chilean nationals with conspiracy to commit interstate transportation of stolen property in relation to a series of burglaries targeting professional athletes across the country.
The defendants—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—allegedly belonged to a South American theft group that stole more than $2 million in valuables from the homes of NFL and NBA players while they were away competing.
Court documents state that Zuniga Cartes was wearing a Chiefs shirt in a photo discovered by authorities.
According to the complaint, burglaries occurred in several cities:
Kansas City area (Oct. 5 and 7, 2024) – The homes of Kelce and Mahomes were burglarized, with jewelry, watches, cash, and other luxury items stolen.
Tampa, Fla. (Oct. 21, 2024) – The home of a Tampa Bay Buccaneers player was burglarized during a game, resulting in the theft of jewelry, designer watches, a luxury suitcase, and a firearm.
Milwaukee, Wis. (Nov. 2, 2024) – The home of a Milwaukee Bucks player was burglarized during a game, with a safe containing jewelry, cash, and other valuables worth approximately $1.48 million stolen.
Cincinnati, Ohio (Dec. 9, 2024) – The home of Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow was burglarized while the team played in Arlington, Texas. Designer luggage, glasses, watches, and jewelry worth about $300,000 were stolen. Ortega Cabello allegedly rented a vehicle used in the crime.
Memphis, Tenn. (Dec. 19-20, 2024) – The home of a Memphis Grizzlies player was burglarized during a game, with approximately $1 million in jewelry, watches, and luxury bags stolen.
If convicted, each defendant faces up to 10 years in federal prison.
The investigation was conducted by the FBI and the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, with assistance from multiple federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies.