Guilty Plea in High-Profile Athlete Home Burglaries

In a significant development regarding a series of burglaries targeting high-profile athletes' homes, Alexander Esteban Huaiquil Chavez pleaded guilty to interstate transportation of stolen property in a Tennessee federal courtroom. This plea is part of a broader investigation into a theft group composed of Chilean nationals, which has been implicated in burglarizing the homes of several prominent athletes, including NFL stars Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce, and Joe Burrow.

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The federal complaint filed in Florida in February 2025 outlines a pattern of burglaries that occurred across the United States, with the group stealing cash, jewelry, and weapons from athletes' residences. One notable incident involved the burglary of Memphis Grizzlies player Ja Morant's home on December 19, 2024, during a game against the Golden State Warriors, resulting in approximately $1 million in stolen items. The complaint also details the group's sophisticated methods, including the use of short-term cell phones and knowledge of athletes' schedules to determine when they would be away from home.

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Chavez, along with three other men—Sergio Andres Cabello, Bastian Alejandro Morales, and Jordan Francisco Sanchez—was indicted in May 2025 for their roles in the burglaries. The group was apprehended in Ohio on January 10, 2025, after a traffic stop revealed burglary tools and fake identification. Evidence collected from cell phone data and iCloud accounts linked the suspects to the burglaries, including photographs of them with stolen items.

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The Florida complaint also mentions burglaries involving other athletes, such as Bobby Portis of the Milwaukee Bucks and an unnamed Tampa Bay Buccaneers player. The group allegedly utilized tactics such as breaking windows or using crowbars to gain entry into the homes. Portis even shared video footage of the burglary at his residence, which showed masked individuals in protective suits.

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The FBI has issued warnings to professional sports organizations regarding the elevated risk of burglaries, advising players on best practices to protect their homes. The NFL, NBA, and NHL have all communicated these warnings to their respective athletes, highlighting the seriousness of the situation.

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While the investigation has garnered attention, there has been criticism regarding the effectiveness of security measures in place for professional athletes. Some commentators have pointed out that despite the warnings, the string of burglaries indicates a need for improved security protocols.

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Chavez is scheduled for sentencing on June 11, 2025, where he faces a recommended two-year imprisonment as part of his plea agreement. The status of the other indicted individuals remains uncertain, with a status conference set for May 5, 2025, to discuss ongoing plea negotiations.

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• “the government has provided evidence of other acts by Mr. Chavez related to the criminal action in Ohio.” — Department of Justice Discovery Letter

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• “A noise sounding like a power tool and short Spanish phrases were all that could be heard on the video.” — Description of Portis's burglary footage.

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