In a bizarre turn of events, three Chilean men are facing serious federal charges after breaking into NFL star Joe Burrow‘s home in Cincinnati and stealing over $300,000 worth of luxury items, including jewelry and designer accessories. The men took selfies with the stolen items, leading to their identification by authorities. This theft, one of many recent break-ins involving South American organized crime groups, has raised concerns about the security of high-profile athletes’ homes.

The Crime and the Discovery

The burglary took place on December 9, 2023, while Joe Burrow was in Texas playing against the Dallas Cowboys. Burrow’s home was secured with a security detail at the time, but the burglars managed to bypass the security measures by entering through a rear window. The stolen items included a $300,000 worth of luxury jewelry, watches, and designer luggage. A security camera captured the burglars walking through the woods behind the house, carrying stolen items.

What makes this case even more shocking is the discovery that the burglars took selfie with the stolen items. One of the selfie, found on the phone of one of the suspects, shows the thieves posing with a jeweled necklace reading “JB9” — a reference to Burrow’s jersey number — and a diamond necklace with the number “9.” Investigators also found other photos of the stolen items and even a picture of the back of Burrow’s house.

The Suspects and Their Arrest

The men behind this crime have been identified as Jordan Francisco Quiroga Sanchez (22), Bastian Alejandro Orellana Morales (23), and Sergio Andres Ortega Cabello (38), all from Chile. They face federal charges of transporting stolen goods across state lines and falsifying records. Authorities also discovered that they were connected to a network of thieves that had targeted the homes of several professional athletes across the United States, including NFL players Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce, and NBA players Luka Dončić and Mike Conley Jr.

Credits:NBC NEWS

The FBI launched a coordinated investigation that revealed the criminals were part of a South American theft group known for targeting high-end homes. The burglars typically enter the country illegally or overstay their visas, using rented vehicles and fake IDs. Their method of operation involves targeting houses in remote areas where they can easily approach without detection.

The Investigation and Evidence

The investigation gained momentum when a vehicle, connected to the suspects, was linked to the scene of the crime. A traffic stop in January led to the discovery of stolen items, including a Louisiana State University shirt and a Bengals hat, which are believed to have come from Burrow’s house. Further searches revealed specialized tools used for breaking into homes, such as a Husky automatic center punch, which can break glass windows.

Credits:ABC NEWS

One of the suspects, Cabello, had multiple photos of the stolen jewelry and other items on his phone, some of which had been deleted shortly before the police traffic stop. This crucial evidence helped investigators link the suspects to the Joe Burrow’s house burglary. The stolen “JB9” necklace with the Nike swoosh was similar to one Burrow wore during a press conference after winning the AFC Championship in 2022, making it a key piece of evidence.

Broader Implications and Ongoing Investigation

This burglary is part of a growing trend of South American theft groups targeting the homes of professional athletes. The FBI continues to investigate the criminal networks behind these break-ins, with the aim of holding the perpetrators accountable. These thefts are not just a concern for athletes but for all high-end homeowners who may become the target of such organized crime operations.

The case has highlighted the need for increased vigilance and security, especially for public figures, as they remain vulnerable to these sophisticated, targeted burglaries. The discovery of the stolen goods and the selfie of the thieves posing with Burrow’s items have brought a strange sense of closure to the crime, though the full extent of the criminal network is still unfolding.