A former Miami Heat security officer pleaded guilty to transporting and transferring millions of dollars of stolen game-worn jerseys and memorabilia. Marcos Thomas Perez, 62, a long-time law enforcement veteran, worked Heat security from 2016–2021 and NBA security from 2022–2025. Over three years he stole more than 400 items and sold them for about $1.9 million, shipping pieces across state lines.
Among the items was a Miami Heat jersey LeBron James wore during the NBA Finals, sold for about $100,000 and later auctioned by Sotheby's for $3.7 million. The case exposes the high value of team artifacts and the security risks around secured memorabilia rooms, including the Kaseya Center storage area.
Federal prosecutors describe a lucrative insider scheme that could push teams to harden access controls for future displays and events. For fantasy fans and collectors, the episode underscores the importance of asset security and the potential market impact of high-profile gear.
