KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Seven Chilean nationals were charged in connection to burglaries in several high-profile athletes' homes, including Milwaukee Bucks star Bobby Portis, and Kansas City Chiefs players Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce.
The criminal complaint was unsealed Tuesday in Tampa, Florida.
Watch: Suspects charged in burglaries of famous athletes across the U.S.:
24-year-old Pablo Zuniga Cartes, 20-year-old Ignacio Zuniga Cartes, 27-year-old Bastian Jimenez Freraut, 22-year-old Jordan Quiroga Sanchez, 23-year-old Bastian Orellano Morales, 24-year-old Alexander Huiaguil Chavez and 38-year-old Sergio Ortega Cabello are members of a South American theft group, according to the complaint.
All were charged with conspiracy to commit interstate transportation of stolen property. If convicted, each faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison.
According to the complaint, these individuals targeted the homes of professional athletes while the athletes were away or playing in professional games.
The U.S. Attorney's Office in Tampa said the individuals stole valuables worth over $2 million.
Portis' home was burglarized during a Bucks game on November 2, 2024.
"Last night, while I was at work, my home was burglarized, and many of my prized possessions were stolen," Portis posted on X at the time.
I consider Milwaukee my home. Last night, while I was at work, my home was burglarized, and many of my prized possessions were stolen. If you have any tips or info, please send them to info@bobbyportis.com. Rewards for info leading to recovery or arrests! pic.twitter.com/ORNYHxNC1c
— Bobby BP Portis (@BPortistime) November 3, 2024
Portis and the Bucks practiced Wednesday afternoon following the NBA All-Star break, and he talked about the charges filed.
“So, obviously, it's not completely gratifying because, you know, you shouldn’t have to lay your head where you got robbed, and sometimes it's kind of disturbing, right?” Portis said. “I'm hopeful we can find more information about it.”
Watch: Bobby Portis reacts to new charges in nationwide crime ring
The Bucks star described the moment he found out about the charges from his mother early Wednesday morning.
“My mom was excited,” Portis explained. “I got very nervous this morning when I saw my mom called me a couple of times. She said, ‘Hey, they got the guys.’ I’m like, ‘Oh man, it's 7:03 a.m. Like, I don’t have to be up for another hour and a half.’ She was excited, though.”
"Arrests have not been made in this case," the River Hills Police Department said in a statement Wednesday. "The River Hills Police Department and the FBI remain hopeful for the recovery of the stolen items. No items have been recovered at this time."
On Oct. 5 and 7, 2024, the homes of Mahomes and Kelce were burglarized.
The Oct. 7 burglary happened while the team was playing a home game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.
Jewelry, watches, cash and other luxury merchandise were taken.
The suspects are also linked to burglaries in the homes of professional athletes in Florida, Tennessee and Ohio.
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