by MIAMI, FLORIDA – A retired Miami police officer and former Miami Heat security team member is facing serious federal charges after being accused of stealing over 400 game-worn jerseys and memorabilia items worth millions of dollars.
The thefts reportedly spanned several years and involved some of the most valuable sports collectibles in recent NBA history.
Who Is the Accused?
Marcos Thomas Perez, 62, is at the center of the federal case announced Tuesday by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida. He faces one count of transporting and transferring stolen goods in interstate commerce, following an extensive investigation by the FBI.
Perez is a retired 25-year veteran of the Miami Police Department. After leaving the force in 2016, he worked for the Miami Heat security team until 2021, and later served as a contracted NBA security employee from 2022 through early 2025.
The Alleged Crime
While employed at both the team and league levels, Perez had authorized access to restricted areas within the Kaseya Center, including an equipment storage room designated for preserving Heat memorabilia. According to prosecutors, he used this access to steal over 400 game-used jerseys and other items that were being reserved for a future Miami Heat museum.
Among the most shocking claims: Perez sold a game-worn LeBron James NBA Finals jersey for only $100,000. That same jersey was later sold at a Sotheby’s auction for a staggering $3.7 million, suggesting Perez either didn’t know or didn’t care about the true market value of the items he was offloading.
Sale of Stolen Items and Financial Impact
As per NBC News report, Over the course of three years, Perez allegedly sold more than 100 stolen items totaling around $2 million. Authorities believe he underpriced many of the jerseys, possibly to move them quickly through online memorabilia brokers.
In April 2025, a search warrant executed at Perez’s residence led to the discovery of nearly 300 additional stolen items, including numerous authentic game-worn jerseys. The Miami Heat has since confirmed that these items were taken from their facility.
Timeline of Employment and Access
- 1992–2016: Perez served with the Miami Police Department
- 2016–2021: Joined Miami Heat’s security team
- 2022–2025: Worked as NBA security personnel
During this nearly decade-long period of access to high-value property, Perez allegedly built a network of buyers and quietly moved the stolen items across state lines—a key factor in the federal charges.
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Official Response and Next Steps
Perez made his initial appearance in federal court on Tuesday. If convicted, he could face years in prison, significant financial penalties, and mandatory restitution.
The Miami Police Department has confirmed Perez’s employment history but has not commented on the ongoing case.
Meanwhile, the Miami Heat organization is working closely with investigators to identify stolen property and evaluate its future security protocols to prevent similar incidents.
Why This Matters
This case has shocked both the sports memorabilia community and NBA fans alike.
The high-profile nature of the items—particularly the LeBron James Finals jersey, which ranks among the most valuable jerseys ever sold—raises broader concerns about security and insider access within major sports organizations.
If you’re a collector, a fan, or simply curious about how this case unfolds, it’s a developing story worth watching.
What’s your take on this shocking betrayal of trust? Head to ibwhsmag.com and let us know your thoughts.
