Ex-Miami Heat officer pleads guilty in $1.9M scheme

Introduction to the Case

A former Miami Heat security officer has pleaded guilty to stealing hundreds of game-worn jerseys and other memorabilia worth millions of dollars, federal prosecutors said Tuesday. Marcos Tomas Perez, 62, admitted to transporting and transferring stolen goods in interstate commerce during a plea hearing.

Background of the Defendant

Perez, a retired 25-year veteran of the Miami Police Department, worked as a Heat security officer from 2016-2021 and later as an NBA security employee. During that time, he had access to a secured equipment room at the Kaseya Center that stored items intended for a future Heat museum.

Details of the Theft

Perez admitted to stealing more than 400 jerseys and other memorabilia, selling over 100 of the items online for about $1.9 million over three-and-a-half years. Among the stolen items was a game-worn LeBron James NBA Finals jersey that Perez sold for about $100,000. The jersey was later auctioned at Sotheby’s for $3.7 million.
Credit: Sotheby’s

Recovery of Stolen Items

A search warrant at Perez’s home in April recovered nearly 300 additional stolen items, which the Heat confirmed had been taken from their facility.

Current Status of the Case

Perez is awaiting sentencing.

Conclusion

The guilty plea of Marcos Tomas Perez brings to light a significant case of theft involving valuable sports memorabilia. The fact that Perez was able to steal and sell so many items over several years highlights the need for tighter security measures to protect such valuable assets. The outcome of this case will likely serve as a deterrent to others who might consider engaging in similar activities.

FAQs

1. Who is Marcos Tomas Perez?
   Marcos Tomas Perez is a 62-year-old former Miami Heat security officer who has pleaded guilty to stealing hundreds of game-worn jerseys and other memorabilia.
2. What was the value of the stolen items?
   The stolen items were worth millions of dollars, with Perez selling over 100 items online for about $1.9 million.
3. What was the most notable item stolen?
   One of the most notable items stolen was a game-worn LeBron James NBA Finals jersey, which Perez sold for about $100,000 and was later auctioned at Sotheby’s for $3.7 million.
4. What is the current status of Marcos Tomas Perez?
   Perez is awaiting sentencing after pleading guilty to transporting and transferring stolen goods in interstate commerce.