NBA Star Ja Morant Becomes Latest Victim of $1 Million Home Burglary Amid Wave of Athlete Robberies

Ja Morant, the 25-year-old Memphis Grizzlies guard, recently became the latest high-profile sports figure to fall victim to a wave of burglaries targeting athletes. The theft, which occurred in December 2023, saw Morant’s home raided in a sophisticated operation that netted an estimated $1 million in stolen goods. This incident adds him to a growing list of victims, including NFL stars Travis Kelce and Patrick Mahomes, who have also been targeted by a notorious burglary gang.

A Growing Trend of Celebrity Burglaries

The burglary at Morant’s home occurred on December 20, 2023, while the NBA star was away playing against the Golden State Warriors. Law enforcement from the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office responded to the break-in at approximately 4 p.m. that day. According to police reports, the burglars made off with valuable items, including jewelry, watches, and other luxury goods, amounting to a total of around $1 million in losses.

The recent wave of burglaries targeting athletes has raised alarm, as several high-profile sports figures have had their homes ransacked in similar operations. Morant is referred to as “Professional athlete #6” in a federal complaint, highlighting the extent of the burglaries.

Federal Investigation and Multiple Victims

The same criminal group is believed to be responsible for a series of break-ins affecting other prominent athletes. Alongside Morant, Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow, Milwaukee Bucks player Bobby Portis, and an unidentified Tampa Bay Buccaneers star have also fallen victim to this gang.

The federal complaint, which was unsealed this week, names seven individuals involved in the burglaries: Pablo Cartes, Ignacio Cartes, Bastian Freraut, Jordan Sanchez, Bastian Morales, Alexander Chavez, and Sergio Cabello. These men face charges of conspiracy to commit interstate transportation of stolen property and could face up to 10 years in prison if convicted.

Some of the defendants were apprehended during a traffic stop, where police discovered LSU merchandise, believed to have been stolen from Joe Burrow’s home. The gang is suspected of being a South American theft ring, with authorities releasing a photograph of several members of the group posing with a safe filled with cash, jewelry, and watches. Investigators believe these items were taken from the home of Bobby Portis.

Connection to Kelce and Mahomes Burglaries

The crime spree appears to be the work of an international gang, as evidenced by the link between the burglars and previous break-ins involving Kansas City Chiefs stars Travis Kelce and Patrick Mahomes. A Kansas City Chiefs jersey was found in the possession of one of the suspects, leading authorities to believe that the same group was responsible for stealing from Kelce and Mahomes.

Both Kelce and Mahomes were targeted in burglaries in early October 2023. Mahomes’ home was hit on October 6, and Kelce’s on October 7. Kelce’s jewelry, including his first Super Bowl jersey, designer clothes, and over $100,000 worth of valuables, were stolen during the break-in at his Kansas City mansion. A source told ABC News that the burglars knew exactly what they were after, as they completed the heist in less than 15 minutes.

A significant clue emerged when police discovered Kelce’s watch in Providence, Rhode Island, over 1,400 miles away from his home. This finding further pointed to an international ring with a targeted approach. Though the authorities initially only reported the loss of $20,000 in cash, it was later revealed that more valuable items, including Kelce’s personal memorabilia, were also taken.

Kelce’s Personal Reaction to the Burglary

The break-ins have clearly shaken the athletes involved. A source close to Kelce described his frustration, particularly regarding the theft of sentimental items, such as his first Super Bowl jersey. Kelce, like many others, expressed discomfort over the violation of his privacy and the intrusion into his home.

Travis Kelce’s response reflects the broader unease many celebrities feel when their private spaces are invaded. Having personal belongings, particularly those tied to significant career milestones, taken can be a deeply unsettling experience for athletes and public figures who are accustomed to a level of security and privacy.

Ongoing Investigation and Public Safety Concerns

The Shelby County Sheriff’s Office continues to investigate Morant’s burglary, following up on leads and working to identify those responsible for the crime. Law enforcement agencies are taking the thefts seriously, as they are not only concerned with recovering the stolen goods but also with dismantling the criminal network behind these burglaries.

This growing pattern of athlete-targeted burglaries has raised concerns about the safety of high-profile sports figures and their families. While many sports stars take extra precautions, such as security systems and private security teams, the brazen nature of these burglaries demonstrates that no level of protection is foolproof against highly organized criminal groups.

Conclusion

Ja Morant’s $1 million home burglary marks yet another chapter in the troubling trend of athlete-targeted thefts. With high-profile sports figures like Kelce, Mahomes, Burrow, and Portis also falling victim to these crimes, authorities are working tirelessly to track down the perpetrators. As investigations continue, fans and public figures alike are left to reflect on the increasing dangers of being a target for criminal gangs in today’s world of wealth and fame.

While the athletes affected by these burglaries continue to recover, the public remains vigilant, aware that no one is immune from these kinds of crimes. The outcomes of these investigations may serve as a wake-up call for both celebrities and law enforcement to strengthen security measures and further curb the rise of celebrity-targeted burglaries.