South American Gangs Implicated in High-Profile Athlete Home Burglaries
A string of burglaries targeting the homes of professional athletes across the United States has been attributed to multiple South American gangs, according to authorities.
The latest incident occurred on December 9th at the residence of Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow, resulting in the theft of approximately $300,000 worth of belongings.
Arrests and Charges
Three Chilean men have been charged in connection with the Burrow burglary:
- Jordan Francisco Quiroga Sanchez, 22
- Bastian Alejandro Orellana Morales, 23
- Sergio Andres Ortega Cabello, 38
The trio faces charges of engaging in a pattern of corrupt activity and burglary at the Hamilton County level. They have also been indicted on federal charges related to the incident.
A fourth man, Alexander Esteban Huaiquil Chavez, was arrested alongside the trio but has not been linked to the burglary.
Gang Involvement
The arrests are part of a wider investigation into the involvement of South American gangs in these high-profile crimes. Authorities believe that multiple gangs are operating in coordination, targeting the homes of wealthy athletes.
Hamilton County Sheriff Charmaine McGuffey stated that immigration detainers have been placed on the three indicted men, preventing them from leaving the country even if they post bond.
Specialized Task Force
To combat the growing threat, Ohio officials have assembled a specialized task force overseen by the Ohio Organized Crime Investigations Commission.
Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost warned residents to exercise caution and avoid confronting burglars in their homes. He also acknowledged that the public disclosure of the investigation and indictments could prompt the gangs to adjust their tactics.
Nationwide Trend
The burglaries at athlete homes have become a nationwide issue since September 2024. The FBI has taken notice, with at least nine athletes reported to have been targeted, including:
- Joe Burrow, Cincinnati Bengals
- Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce, Kansas City Chiefs
- Luka Doncic, Los Angeles Lakers
- Mike Conley, Minnesota Timberwolves
- Jimmy Garoppolo, San Francisco 49ers
- Ezekiel Elliott, Dallas Cowboys
- Paul George, Los Angeles Clippers
- Emmanuel Sanders, Buffalo Bills
- DeForest Buckner, Indianapolis Colts
Public Awareness and Safety
In response to the ongoing burglaries, law enforcement officials urge residents to:
- Be aware of suspicious activity in their neighborhoods
- Report any suspicious individuals or vehicles to authorities
- Secure their homes with alarms, surveillance cameras, and strong locks
- Avoid confrontations with potential burglars and prioritize their safety
By working together, law enforcement and communities can combat these high-profile burglaries and ensure the safety of residents and their property.
