BREAKING: Former Miami Heat Security Officer Marcos Thomas Perez Charged in Massive $2M Memorabilia Theft—Includes LeBron James’ 2013 Finals Jersey Sold for $100K, Later Resold at $3.7M at Sotheby’s 🏀💼
In what prosecutors are calling one of the largest sports memorabilia theft cases in U.S. history, former Miami Heat security officer Marcos Thomas Perez has been federally charged for allegedly stealing over 400 game-worn jerseys and other Heat collectibles. The scandal has rocked NBA circles and stunned fans worldwide.
📌 Who is Marcos Thomas Perez?
Age: 62
Background: Retired after 25 years with the Miami Police Department; served as a security officer for the Heat from 2016–2021 and under NBA event security from 2022–2025.
Was among a handful of trusted personnel with access to the Heat’s secured memorabilia room at the Kaseya Center, intended for a future team museum.
💥 The Alleged Theft Scheme
Over a three-year span, Perez is accused of selling 100 stolen items through online brokers for a total of around $2 million, then shipping them across state lines.
On April 3, 2025, FBI executed a search warrant at his Miami home and confiscated nearly 300 additional items, all traced back to Heat property.
🧥 The Iconic LeBron Jersey
Among the stolen items: the Game 7 jersey worn by LeBron James in the 2013 NBA Finals. Perez sold it for $100,000, far under its true value.
That very jersey later sold at Sotheby’s for $3.7 million—making it one of the most expensive sports jerseys ever auctioned.
📜 Charges & Legal Proceedings
Perez has pleaded not guilty and appeared in federal court in Miami on charges for transporting and transferring stolen goods in interstate commerce.
He now faces potential prison time and fines. The case is being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida, with the FBI Miami Field Office leading the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert Moore is overseeing the matter.
⚠️ Fallout & Reactions
Miami Heat issued no immediate comment due to the ongoing investigation but confirmed the items seized were indeed stolen from team vaults.
Miami Police Chief Manny Morales condemned the act:
> “Any betrayal of public trust — past or present — is a stain on the badge.”
NBA insiders, including Amin Elhassan, called it “likely the biggest sports memorabilia heist ever.”
🧾 Why It Matters
1. The scale: over 400 items, dozens destined for public display.
2. The value gap: stolen for hundreds of thousands, later worth millions.
3. The identity betrayal: a retired police officer entrusted with keeping things safe is accused of defrauding both public trust and a major professional sports franchise.
🔚 Final Thought
The Marcos Perez case is more than a white-collar crime—it’s a continued breach of faith between fans and institutions. It highlights how even legendary sports relics can be vulnerable to inside exploitation. The FBI, Justice Department, and NBA now face a long road to recovery and transparency.
This story is evolving, and Yellowstone to rafters across the league are watching closely.
