Suspects Charged in Connection to Burglaries of Several Pro Athletes
Seven Chilean Nationals Indicted in Tampa, Florida
Seven Chilean nationals have been charged in connection to the burglaries of several high-profile athletes’ homes. The indictment was unsealed in Tampa, Florida, on Tuesday, and the suspects have been identified as 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. All of the suspects face charges of conspiracy to transport stolen property.
Burglaries Targeting Professional Athletes
According to the complaint, the suspects were members of a South American theft group that burglarized the homes of professional athletes around the country, allegedly stealing valuables worth over $2 million. The group targeted the homes of several high-profile athletes, including two members of the Kansas City Chiefs, a player from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and a player from the Milwaukee Bucks.
Chiefs Players’ Homes Burglarized
The complaint accuses the group of burglarizing the homes of two Chiefs players on October 5 and 7, taking jewelry, watches, and other valuables. The players have not been identified, but authorities have confirmed that the homes of quarterback Patrick Mahomes and tight end Travis Kelce were targeted.
Other Burglaries
The group is also accused of burglarizing the home of a Tampa Bay Buccaneers player in late October, taking jewelry, designer watches, a luxury suitcase, and a firearm. The player has not been identified. Additionally, the group is suspected of burglarizing the home of a Milwaukee Bucks player while he was playing in an early November game. During that same time, Bucks player Bobby Portis reported that his home had been burglarized.
Stolen Items Worth $1.484 Million
Prosecutors allege that the suspects took a safe containing several watches, chains, personal items, jewelry, and cash, along with a designer suitcase and designer bags, worth a total of $1.484 million. Three of the suspects, Pablo Zuniga Cartes, Ignacio Zuniga Cartes, and Bastian Jimenez Freraut, took a photo with the safe and jewelry, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
Arrests in Connection to High-End Burglaries
Earlier this month, two people were arrested in connection to numerous burglaries targeting wealthier neighborhoods. Dimitriy Nezhinskiy, 43, of North Bergen, New Jersey, and Juan Villar, 48, of Queens, were accused of receiving luxury items from burglaries conducted across multiple states and perpetuating the sale of the stolen items.
Phone Records and Video Surveillance Connect Suspects
Phone records and video surveillance connect Nezhinskiy to members of a crew suspected of burglarizing the home of a high-profile athlete in Ohio on December 9, 2024. That’s the same day Joe Burrow’s home was reportedly broken into while he and the Bengals were playing in Dallas.
Conclusion
The suspects charged in connection to the burglaries of several pro athletes’ homes face serious consequences, including charges of conspiracy to transport stolen property. The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are working to identify and prosecute those responsible for these high-end burglaries.
FAQs
* Who are the suspects charged in connection to the burglaries of several pro athletes’ homes?
+ The suspects are seven Chilean nationals: Pablo Zuniga Cartes, Ignacio Zuniga Cartes, Bastian Jimenez Freraut, Jordan Quiroga Sanchez, Bastian Orellano Morales, Alexander Huiaguil Chavez, and Sergio Ortega Cabello.
* How much are the stolen items worth?
+ The stolen items are worth over $2 million.
* Which athletes’ homes were targeted?
+ The homes of several high-profile athletes, including two members of the Kansas City Chiefs, a player from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and a player from the Milwaukee Bucks, were targeted.
* What is the total value of the stolen items from these homes?
+ The total value of the stolen items is over $1 million.
