Security Guard Sentenced for Stealing Miami Heat Memorabilia
A fire broke out inside the house.
Marcos Tomas Perez, a former security guard for the Miami Heat, has been sentenced to three years in federal prison and must pay $1.9 million in restitution after pilfering a large amount of memorabilia while on the job.
The 62-year-old Perez pleaded guilty last August to charges of transporting and transferring stolen property across state lines, as reported by court records. His sentencing occurred earlier this month, according to The Associated Press.
Perez has a long history with law enforcement, having served 25 years with the Miami Police Department before working with the Heat from 2016 to 2021, later serving as an NBA security guard up until 2025.
“This individual, a former police officer, has betrayed the public’s trust by abusing his access to a beloved local team for personal benefit,” U.S. Attorney Jason Redding Quiñones stated. The Miami Heat symbolizes hard work and discipline in South Florida, and Perez’s actions were quite the opposite.
Federal prosecutors, along with the FBI, indicated that Perez swiped over 400 jerseys from a secured equipment room, selling these items through various online marketplaces.
His role on game days granted him access to a secure area where memorabilia intended for the Heat’s future museum displays was stored.
The value of the stolen items was estimated to be around $1.9 million, with one notable jersey worn by LeBron James in the NBA Finals fetching approximately $100,000. Interestingly, that same jersey later sold at a Sotheby’s auction for an astounding $3.7 million.
All items in Perez’s possession were confiscated by the FBI. Those who purchased stolen items from him have been urged to return them.
The case first drew public attention when NBA insider Amin Elhassan discussed it on “The Dan Le Batard Show” last summer, claiming it might be one of the largest memorabilia heists in U.S. sports history. He highlighted how authentic items were sold both legally and illegally for at least 18 months.
