Seven Chilean Men Arrested for Burglarizing Homes of NFL Stars Patrick Mahomes, Joe Burrow, and More

Seven men from Chile have been charged in a Florida federal court for their alleged involvement in a string of burglaries targeting well-known professional athletes. The FBI’s criminal complaint describes these individuals as part of a burglary ring that specifically focuses on athletes when they are away from their homes.

While the complaint does not name the players explicitly, it mentions several high-profile athletes, including Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce from the Kansas City Chiefs, Joe Burrow of the Cincinnati Bengals, and players from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Milwaukee Bucks. The stolen items are reported to be valued at around $2 million and include luxury watches, jewelry, cash, and even a stolen safe.

The defendants are charged with conspiracy to commit interstate transportation of stolen property, which could result in a maximum sentence of ten years in prison. It is unclear whether they are currently in custody, and no attorneys for them have been listed in court records.

The accused individuals 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). Although labeled as Chilean, the complaint doesn’t clarify their legal status in the U.S.

Some members of the group were arrested in January after a traffic stop in Ohio related to the burglary of Joe Burrow’s home. Reports indicate that four of those arrested were in the country illegally.

Filed on January 30, the federal charges include evidence collected from cell phone data, surveillance videos, and license plate readers, suggesting the defendants were near the crime scenes. The group reportedly used simple methods to break in, like smashing windows or prying open doors with crowbars.

The FBI’s affidavit described the burglars as often approaching homes from concealed areas before breaking in. One player, from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, lost around $167,000 in valuables, including a Rolex watch, designer luggage, and a firearm.

Bobby Portis from the Milwaukee Bucks commented on the situation, stating it’s reassuring to see arrests made. He expressed the frustration athletes feel when returning home to find their hard-earned possessions stolen.

Interestingly, the group allegedly took photos with some of their stolen items, which were included in the FBI’s findings. In one case, a suspect was seen wearing a Chiefs shirt, indicating a bold disregard for their actions. The group operated in smaller teams to carry out several burglaries, often communicating and collaborating with each other to increase their efficiency during these crimes.