Security guard formerly employed by the Miami Heat accused of selling a stolen Lebron James jersey, alleges federal authorities
Former Miami Heat Security Guard Charged with Selling Stolen Memorabilia
In a recent development, Marcos Thomas Perez, a former Miami Heat security guard, has been charged federally with transporting and transferring stolen goods in interstate commerce. The charges are related to the theft and sale of millions of dollars' worth of Miami Heat memorabilia.
Perez, 62, who retired as a Miami police officer, worked as a Heat security officer from 2016 to 2021, and later as an NBA security employee from 2022 to 2025. During his tenure, he is accused of stealing over 400 game-worn jerseys and memorabilia, selling approximately 100 items for about $2 million across online brokers over three years.
One of the stolen items was a LeBron James Miami Heat NBA Finals jersey, which Perez is said to have sold for approximately $100,000. This jersey was later auctioned for $3.7 million at Sotheby’s.
Authorities executed a search warrant at Perez’s residence in April 2025, seizing about 300 stolen jerseys and memorabilia items. The Miami Heat confirmed that the stolen items were from their facility at the Kaseya Center, stored for a planned Heat museum.
Perez is accused of violating Title 18 of the U.S. Code, Section 2314, concerning interstate transportation of stolen property. If convicted, he could face a maximum prison sentence of 10 years and a fine of $250,000.
The charging document was filed by U.S. Attorney Hayden P. O'Byrne and Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert F. Moore in a Florida federal district court on Monday. Perez made his initial federal court appearance in early August 2025 and faces a one-count information charge.
As of early August 2025, Perez has only made an initial court appearance and been formally charged. There is no public information yet about the trial date, trial proceedings, or any verdict reached. The case appears to be in the pre-trial phase with federal authorities actively investigating and prosecuting.
In a statement, Miami Police Department chief, Manny Morales, stated that Perez separated from the Miami Police in 2016. Perez's assignments included game-day security. Morales also mentioned that any betrayal of the public's trust is a stain on the badge and the oath to serve with integrity and honor.
The trial details and the outcome are yet to be reported. Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story.
- The general-news story of a former Miami Heat security guard, Marcos Thomas Perez, involves an analysis of interstate crime-and-justice, specifically the charges against him for selling stolen memorabilia, which includes game-worn basketball jerseys from the team.
- The stolen items, amounting to millions of dollars worth, including a significant LeBron James Miami Heat NBA Finals jersey, were not only sold privately but also auctioned in high-profile establishments like Sotheby’s.
- As the sports world waits for updates on this ongoing case, it underscores the importance of maintaining integrity and honor within security roles in the NBA, particularly considering their valuable sports memorabilia.
