Seven Charged in Burglary Scheme Targeting Professional Athletes
Seven men have been charged by federal prosecutors for their alleged roles in a string of burglaries at the homes of prominent professional athletes.
According to the complaint, which was obtained by ABC News, the seven men -- ranging in age from 20 to 38 and all from Chile -- were members of a South American theft group and are accused of stealing more than $2 million in valuables.
They were charged Tuesday with conspiracy to commit interstate transportation of stolen property and could face up to 10 years in prison.
The complaint includes a photo of three of the men posing with a safe and jewelry that was allegedly stolen from the home of Milwaukee Bucks forward Bobby Portis. Portis had posted on social media in November that some of his "prized possessions" had been stolen and asked fans for any tips or information.
The FBI has also linked the men to the robberies of other prominent athletes, including Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes and tight end Travis Kelce, as well as unnamed players from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Memphis Grizzlies, according to the complaint.
Three of the men have also been charged by a federal grand jury in Cincinnati in connection to the burglary of Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow's home.
The FBI issued warnings to sports leagues about the crime organizations last year, stating that athletes' homes were being targeted due to the perception that they may have high-value items.
