Seven Chilean nationals have been charged in connection with a string of high-profile burglaries targeting NFL and NBA stars, including Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce, and Joe Burrow. Federal authorities revealed the criminal complaint this week, accusing the suspects of stealing over $2 million in valuables from the athletes’ homes while they were away playing games.
Alleged Theft Ring Unmasked
The individuals named in the complaint—Pablo Cartes, Ignacio Cartes, Bastian Freraut, Jordan Sanchez, Bastian Morales, Alexander Chavez, and Sergio Cabello—are accused of being part of a South American theft group that carried out a coordinated string of burglaries between October and December 2024.
Authorities say the group specifically targeted professional athletes’ homes, breaking in while they were occupied with their games. The defendants have been charged with conspiracy to commit interstate transportation of stolen property, a federal crime that carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison.
A Timeline of the Heists
According to court documents, the crime spree began in early October:
- October 2024: The homes of Kansas City Chiefs stars Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce were hit while they played against the New Orleans Saints. Jewelry, cash, and luxury items were stolen.
- October 21, 2024: A Tampa Bay Buccaneers player’s home was burglarized, with thieves making off with jewelry, a suitcase, and a firearm.
- November 2, 2024: The group allegedly broke into Milwaukee Bucks forward Bobby Portis’ home, stealing approximately $1.484 million worth of valuables, including jewelry, money, a safe, and designer bags—making it the largest haul of the operation.
- December 9, 2024: Joe Burrow’s home was targeted while the Cincinnati Bengals were on the road against the Dallas Cowboys. The thieves reportedly took $300,000 in jewelry and luxury bags.
- Late December 2024: A Memphis Grizzlies player’s home was burglarized, resulting in the loss of $1 million in valuables.
The Arrest and Investigation
The case took a turn in early January 2025 when three of the suspects were arrested in Ohio following a traffic stop. During the stop, authorities uncovered key evidence linking them to the burglaries. The men were also charged with falsifying records in a federal investigation.
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Federal authorities believe the group operated as part of an international crime network known for burglarizing high-value targets across the United States. The suspects allegedly used sophisticated tactics to surveil their victims and execute well-timed break-ins while the athletes were away for games.
The investigation is ongoing, and law enforcement is working to recover stolen goods.
Athletes and Law Enforcement React
While Mahomes, Kelce, Burrow, and other victims have not publicly commented on the charges, law enforcement officials have emphasized the growing trend of criminals targeting celebrities and athletes.
“This case highlights the importance of security measures for high-profile individuals,” a federal investigator said. “These criminals were strategic, waiting for the perfect moment to strike when their victims were occupied.”
As the case moves forward, the suspects face serious legal consequences, and authorities are working to determine whether more individuals were involved in the elaborate burglary operation.
