Four suspects pleaded not guilty to initial charges in Ohio, including engaging in a pattern of corrupt activity, obstructing official business, and possessing criminal tools.
It remains unclear if the accused have obtained legal representation, as the federal public defender’s office in Tampa did not respond to requests for comment.
If convicted, each defendant faces up to 10 years in federal prison.
Additional High-Profile Victims
Authorities believe the Florida burglary crew is connected to several high-profile break-ins across the United States:
- November 2, 2024: A Milwaukee Bucks player’s Wisconsin home was burglarized while he played in a game. Stolen items included luxury watches, jewelry, designer bags, a suitcase, cash, and a safe containing valuables worth approximately $1.5 million. The details correspond to a burglary at the residence of Bucks forward Bobby Portis Jr.
- December 9, 2024: A Cincinnati Bengals player’s home was burglarized while he was in Arlington, Texas, playing against the Dallas Cowboys. An estimated $300,000 in goods were stolen. Reports indicate this corresponds to the burglary of quarterback Joe Burrow’s residence.
- December 20, 2024: A Memphis Grizzlies player’s home was targeted while he played a home game. Authorities have not publicly disclosed the athlete’s identity.
- October 21, 2024: A Tampa Bay Buccaneers player’s home was broken into. Thieves gained entry by breaking a window and stole jewelry, Rolex watches, a Louis Vuitton suitcase, and a firearm valued at over $167,000. The player’s identity has not been disclosed.
In each case, burglars struck while the athletes were away playing in professional games, making them prime targets for these sophisticated criminal operations.
The Growing Threat of Burglary Tourism
The rise in burglary tourism highlights vulnerabilities in the U.S. immigration and security systems, with criminal organizations exploiting legal loopholes to conduct organized theft. Law enforcement agencies are working to dismantle these networks, but the threat remains significant for high-profile individuals.
