Seven men have been charged in connection with a nationwide spree of burglaries targeting high-profile athletes like Travis Kelce and Patrick Mahomes. The charges include conspiracy to commit interstate transportation of stolen property for each defendant. The defendants, originally from Chile, are accused of being part of a South American burglary crew that stole $2 million worth of goods, including watches, jewelry, and designer items, from athletes’ homes across the country.
Four of the defendants pleaded not guilty to charges in Ohio, while the remaining three are facing federal charges in Florida. The burglaries targeted homes of athletes such as Bobby Portis Jr., Joe Burrow, and a Memphis Grizzlies player, while they were away or playing games. The burglars allegedly gained entry by breaking windows, stealing valuable items like Rolex watches and firearms.
Authorities have warned high-profile athletes about burglaries targeting their homes, believed to be connected to South American criminal crews. The issue has brought attention to the ESTA Visa Waiver program, which allows citizens of 42 nations, including Chile, to enter the U.S. with relative ease for a 90-day period. There is concern that this program may be exploited by organized crime rings.
The recent burglaries are part of a larger trend of coast-to-coast burglaries targeting homes of wealthy individuals, celebrities, and athletes. The success of prosecutors in cases involving defendants from Chile and Italy highlights the issue of “burglary tourism,” where criminals travel to the U.S. to commit theft. The recent burglary at the Los Angeles home of Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban has raised further concerns about the safety and security of high-profile individuals.
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