Taylor Swift Reacts to Boyfriend's Home Being Robbed
President Joe Biden and Kansas City Chiefs' players Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce in the Oval Office of the White House, Monday, June 5, 2023. Photo by Adam Schultz . Public domain.
Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce may be unstoppable on the field, but off the field, they became prime targets in a high-stakes game of cat and mouse. A group of alleged thieves, dubbed a "South American Theft Group" by the U.S. Attorney's Office, ran the ultimate blitz — hitting the homes of Mahomes, Kelce, and other pro athletes while they were busy playing their real-life matchups. With more than $2 million in stolen cash, jewelry, and luxury items, these burglars weren't just running trick plays — they were orchestrating a full-scale heist.
A Bold Plan: Targeting Athletes on Game Days
According to investigators, the suspects had a clear strategy — wait until their targets were away playing in games, then strike. That's exactly what happened to Kelce on Oct. 7, 2024, when thieves broke into his newly purchased mansion in Leawood, Kansas, while he was on the field against the New Orleans Saints. The burglars forced their way in through a back door and stole at least $20,000 in cash, leaving behind significant damage.
Less than 48 hours earlier, Mahomes' home in Belton, Missouri, was also hit. The Chiefs quarterback was away celebrating Kelce's birthday when burglars entered his eight-acre estate. While details of what was stolen remain unclear, the incident raised concerns that the two crimes were connected.
Other Players Caught in the Crime Spree
Mahomes and Kelce weren't the only victims. Authorities say the burglary ring also hit:
A Tampa Bay Buccaneers player's home on Oct. 21, 2024, during a home game, stealing jewelry, luxury watches, a designer suitcase, and even a firearm.
A Milwaukee Bucks player's residence on Nov. 2, 2024, making off with more than $1.4 million in valuables, including a safe full of jewelry and cash.
A Cincinnati Bengals player's home on Dec. 9, 2024, where $300,000 worth of designer bags, watches, and jewelry were taken.
A Memphis Grizzlies player's house on December 19, 2024, where thieves grabbed nearly $1 million in jewelry, watches, and luxury items.
How the Thieves Got Caught
The FBI and Homeland Security, working with local law enforcement across multiple states, pieced together the case using search warrants, surveillance footage, and subpoenaed records. Authorities discovered the group allegedly had an organized system, dividing tasks such as renting cars, booking hotels, obtaining fake IDs, and coordinating with buyers for the stolen goods.
The suspects were finally tracked down after reportedly attempting to sell stolen merchandise, leading investigators to uncover the full scope of their operation.
Who Was Arrested?
The seven individuals facing federal charges include: Pablo Zuniga Cartes, 24; Ignacio Zuniga Cartes, 20; Bastian Jimenez Freraut, 27; Jordan Quiroga Sanchez, 22; Bastian Orellano Morales, 23; Alexander Huiaguil Chavez, 24; and Sergio Ortega Cabello, 38.
If convicted, they each face up to 10 years in federal prison.
Swift Reacts, Mahomes Speaks Out
Taylor Swift, who was at Arrowhead Stadium cheering on Kelce when the burglary took place, was reportedly relieved that neither she nor Kelce were home at the time. "She's thankful that no one was hurt and that neither of them were home during the robberies," a source told Page Six.
Mahomes briefly addressed the incident at a press conference according to Page Six, calling it "disappointing" but declining to share details due to the ongoing investigation. Kelce, for his part, has remained silent.
What's Next?
With the suspects in custody, authorities continue to investigate whether the burglary ring had additional targets. For Mahomes, Kelce, and the other athletes affected, the incidents were a stark reminder that even high-profile figures aren't immune to crime — especially when their schedules are public knowledge.
For now, the Chiefs stars are focusing on football, while law enforcement works to ensure that those responsible are brought to justice. If convicted, these seven won't be celebrating in the end zone — they'll be serving serious time on the sidelines.
References: 7 Men Charged in Connection with Alleged Burglaries at Patrick Mahomes' and Travis Kelce's Homes, Part of $2M Theft Spree | Seven Chilean Nationals Charged Following Nationwide Burglaries Of Several Professional Athletes | Travis Kelce's and Patrick Mahomes' Kansas City Homes Burglarized Within 48 Hours of Each Other | How Taylor Swift feels following Travis Kelce's home burglary
