A significant development emerged Wednesday in the investigation of a series of burglaries targeting professional athletes, including NFL stars Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce, and Joe Burrow. Alexander Esteban Huaiquil Chávez pleaded guilty in a Tennessee federal court to interstate transportation of stolen property, a charge stemming from a nationwide scheme that impacted athletes across multiple leagues.
The guilty plea marks the first major breakthrough in a case that captivated the nation as details emerged of coordinated robberies affecting some of the most recognizable names in sports. Authorities allege a group of Chilean nationals orchestrated the burglaries, exploiting travel schedules and security vulnerabilities to steal cash, jewelry, and even weapons from the homes of athletes while they were away for games.
The investigation began gaining momentum in late 2024, with reports surfacing of break-ins at the homes of Mahomes and Kelce in October. Mahomes’ home in Loch Lloyd, Missouri, was burglarized on October 5th, while Kelce’s residence in Lenexa, Kansas, was targeted two days later, both during a Monday Night Football game against the New Orleans Saints. The scope of the scheme quickly expanded, revealing a network of burglaries extending beyond the NFL to include NBA players as well.
Nationwide Scheme Unveiled
Federal authorities filed a complaint in February 2025 in the Middle District of Florida, identifying seven Chilean nationals allegedly involved in the scheme: Pablo Zuniga Cartes, Ignacio Zuniga Cartes, Bastian Jimenez Freraut, Jordan Quiroga Sanchez, Bastian Orellano Morales, Alexander Huiaguil Chavez, and Sergio Ortega Cabello. Each faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison if convicted of conspiracy to commit interstate transportation of stolen property.
The investigation revealed a sophisticated operation, with the thieves utilizing short-term cell phones, monitoring athletes’ game schedules, and targeting homes in wooded or secluded areas. According to the complaint, the group would often break windows or force open sliding doors to gain entry.
The impact wasn’t limited to Mahomes and Kelce. Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow’s home was burglarized in December 2024 while he was in Texas playing against the Dallas Cowboys. Athletes from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Memphis Grizzlies, and Milwaukee Bucks were also victims of the coordinated attacks.
Morant’s Home Targeted, $1 Million in Jewelry Stolen
The Florida complaint specifically detailed a burglary in Tennessee in December 2024, where approximately $1 million in jewelry, watches, and luxury handbags were stolen from the home of a Memphis Grizzlies player while the team hosted the Golden State Warriors on December 19. ESPN’s Tim MacMahon later confirmed that the victim was point guard Ja Morant. ESPN reported that Huaiquil Chavez will be sentenced on June 11, with both sides agreeing to a two-year prison term, pending court approval.
Authorities uncovered evidence linking the suspects to the burglaries through cell tower data, car rental records, and even photos found on an iCloud account depicting the alleged thieves wearing stolen watches. In Ohio, authorities alleged that Huaiquil Chavez admitted to purchasing a glass-breaking tool at Home Depot, though the reason for the purchase remains unclear.
Ongoing Investigations and Additional Suspects
While Chávez has pleaded guilty, the investigation remains active. Sergio Andrés Cabello, Bastian Alejandro Morales, and Jordan Francisco Sánchez were also indicted in Tennessee last May on charges related to the Memphis burglary, and their current status in the legal proceedings is unclear. The four men were initially arrested in Ohio in January 2025 after a traffic stop revealed fake identification and “burglar tools.”
The scope of the crimes extended beyond the initial targets. Authorities also investigated burglaries at the homes of Luka Dončić (then with the Dallas Mavericks), Tyler Seguin of the Dallas Stars, and Mike Conley of the Minnesota Timberwolves, though these cases were not included in the initial Florida complaint.
The series of robberies prompted the FBI to issue warnings to professional sports organizations, leading the NFL, NBA, and NHL to advise players on security risks and best practices. Bobby Portis of the Milwaukee Bucks even shared video footage of a break-in at his Wisconsin home, showing individuals in hazmat suits and masks.
Next Steps in the Legal Process
As Alexander Esteban Huaiquil Chávez awaits sentencing on June 11, the focus now shifts to the cases of his alleged accomplices. A follow-up conference in the cases of Cabello, Morales, and Sánchez is scheduled for May 5, where plea negotiations are expected to continue. The outcome of these cases, and any potential further investigations, will determine the full extent of justice for the athletes impacted by this elaborate criminal scheme.
This case underscores the growing vulnerability of high-profile individuals to targeted crime and the increasing sophistication of criminal networks. As the legal proceedings continue, the sports world will be watching closely, hoping for a full accounting of those responsible and a deterrent to future attacks.
