MIAMI, Fla. (CBS12) — Talk about a slam dunk gone wrong — federal prosecutors say a former Miami Heat security guard turned trusted insider looted hundreds of game-worn jerseys worth millions, all from behind the scenes at the Kaseya Center.
The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) said Marcos Thomas Perez, 62 — a retired Miami police officer turned Heat security guard — used his position to gain unauthorized access to a secured equipment room at the Kaseya Center from 2016 to 2021. The room housed hundreds of game-worn jerseys and items earmarked for a future team museum.
According to court documents, Perez —who also served as an NBA security employee through 2025 — exploited his limited access to steal over 400 pieces of memorabilia, including a Finals jersey worn by LeBron James, which he sold for roughly $100,000. That same jersey later fetched $3.7 million at a Sotheby’s auction.
The Miami Heat organization has confirmed the authenticity of the recovered memorabilia and its connection to the alleged theft.
See also: Video released in deputy-involved crash that killed bicyclist
Perez made his initial federal court appearance and is currently facing one count of transporting stolen goods in interstate commerce.
Find more ways to stay up to date with your latest local news. Sign up for our newsletter to get the day’s top headlines delivered right to your inbox. Subscribe to our YouTube channel for the biggest stories and can’t miss video.