Dedicated 'ChiefsAholic' fan receives extended prison sentence, serving both state and federal terms for bank robberies.
Article:
Title: Wicked Switch: From Chiefs' Superfan to Notorious Bank Robber - Uncover the Hidden Life of 'ChiefsAholic' in the True-Crime Doc 'Wolf in Chiefs Clothing'
In the game of life, few could outmatch the thrilling actions of Xaviar Michael Babudar, a man whose charisma and mischief made him a beloved figure among Kansas City Chiefs fans as "ChiefsAholic." Yet, beneath this cheerful mask, Babudar was much more than just a devoted fan - he was a serial bank robber who terrorized various financial institutions across seven states[1].
Judgment Day arrived for Babudar on Monday, as an Oklahoma court sentenced him to 32 years in state prison, to run concurrently with his 17½-year federal sentence[2]. Once he completed his federal term, the remaining 14½ years of the state sentence would follow. With no chance for parole, Babudar will be 64 years old when he sets foot out of prison's cold walls.
The serial bank robber, now 30, admitted to 11 heists in 2022 and 2023. His guilty pleas in both federal and state courts expedited what would have otherwise been drawn-out trial proceedings[2].
In court on Monday, Babudar's attorney Brett Swab shared that "he expressed sincere remorse and took full responsibility for his actions."
When he wasn't intimidating bank employees at gunpoint, Babudar was a familiar face across the country at NFL games, dressed in his trademark wolf costume. This costume supposedly paid homage to the Chiefs mascot, K.C. Wolf.
This man was no regular wolf in sheep's clothing[3]; he was a wolf in Chiefs clothing.
True-crime Documentary:
'Wolf in Chiefs Clothing,' directed by Dylan Sires, offers an in-depth look at Babudar's secret life as a serial bank robber[3]. Add this riveting tale to your watchlist on Amazon Prime.
Prosecutors' Concerns:
Even though Babudar admitted his crimes, Tulsa County Dist. Atty. Steve Kunzweiler expressed frustration that his recommended life sentence wasn't granted[4].Kunzweiler stated to Tulsa television station KJRH, "I think he caught a break. I look like how he'll probably look when he gets out of prison. I'm 63 years old, and I don't put it past him to be able to go out and start committing other crimes."
Federal prosecutors were equally firm about keeping Babudar behind bars for as long as possible. Convicted of stealing nearly $850,000 from financial institutions[2], and with several robberies at gunpoint, they wanted him imprisoned for a considerable period.
Bank Robberies Atrocity:
One of Babudar's most heinous heists occurred at the Nashville branch of the Tennessee Credit Union, where he climbed over the bank teller counter, pointed a firearm at the employee, and demanded to be taken to the vault[5]. Babudar warned the employees that if he was given fake bills or a dye pack, he would "come back and put a bullet in your head."
Yet, by the following week, Babudar was back at Arrowhead Stadium, cheering on the Chiefs and signing autographs for children.
U.S. Attorney's Statement:
At Babudar's federal sentencing in September, U.S. Atty. Teresa Moore stated, "While parading as a social media celebrity, the defendant secretly engaged in a violent crime spree of armed robberies and attempted robberies across seven states[5]. Babudar bankrolled his expensive tickets, travel, and Chiefs apparel with the proceeds of his thefts.
"However, the bank and credit union employees whom he terrorized at gunpoint suffered the brunt of his true nature[5]. He tried to evade law enforcement, but they eventually caught up with him and now he will spend a significant portion of his life in prison."
Additional Information:
- After being initially arrested in Oklahoma in December 2022, Babudar was released on bond two months later.
- Months earlier, Babudar had placed two $5,000 bets at the Argosy Casino in Alton, Ill., One on Patrick Mahomes winning MVP at Super Bowl LVII, and the other on the Chiefs winning the game[5]. Babudar won these bets, and the casino mailed him a check for $100,000 in March 2023.
- Babudar used his gambling winnings to purchase a vehicle near Las Vegas, evaded law enforcement, and continued to rob banks until his arrest in Sacramento on July 7, 2023.
- He's been incarcerated since and will remain for decades.
- The Oklahoma court sentenced serial bank robber Xaviar Michael Babudar, known as 'ChiefsAholic', to a total of 32 years in state prison, to run concurrently with his 17½-year federal sentence, due to his guaranteed ineligibility for parole, he will be 64 years old when he leaves prison.
- In court, Babudar's attorney, Brett Swab, stated that he expressed remorse for his actions and took full responsibility during the proceedings.
- The true-crime documentary 'Wolf in Chiefs Clothing', directed by Dylan Sires, showcases an in-depth look at Babudar's life as a serial bank robber.
- Despite Babudar's guilty plea in federal court, Tulsa County Dist. Atty. Steve Kunzweiler expressed frustration that the life sentence was not granted, as he believes there is a possibility Babudar could resume committing crimes.
- Federal prosecutors were firm about keeping Babudar imprisoned for a considerable period due to his theft of nearly $850,000 and several robberies at gunpoint.
- One of Babudar's most heinous bank heists took place at the Nashville branch of the Tennessee Credit Union where he pointed a firearm at an employee and demanded access to the vault, threatening to kill the employees if they failed to comply.
