Over $2 million in stolen jerseys: former Miami Heat employee faces serious legal consequences

A former Miami Heat employee appeared in federal court Tuesday, accused of orchestrating a massive theft scheme of NBA collectibles worth several million dollars. Marcos Thomas Perez, 62, a former Miami police officer and team security agent, faces charges of interstate transportation and transfer of stolen goods.

Former Miami Heat security officer Marcos Thomas Perez faced federal charges of transporting and transferring stolen goods in interstate commerce on Tuesday.

The 62-year-old retired member of the Miami Police Department is accused of stealing hundreds of items from the team,… pic.twitter.com/opH92CpHKB

— The Athletic (@TheAthletic) August 6, 2025

Privileged access exploited for nearly a decade

According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida, Perez took advantage of his privileged position at the Kaseya Center to systematically steal collectibles between 2016 and 2025. A 25-year veteran of the Miami Police Department, he worked for the Heat from 2016 to 2021, then as an NBA security employee from 2022 to 2025.

The accused was among the limited number of employees with access to the secure equipment room, which housed hundreds of game-worn jerseys and other collectibles that the Heat organization planned to display in a future team museum. In total, authorities estimate Perez stole more than 400 game jerseys and other items.

Lucrative sales revealed by federal investigation

The investigation shows Perez sold over 100 stolen items to online brokers over three years. He reportedly earned about $2 million. Among the rarest pieces: a LeBron James NBA Finals jersey, sold by Perez for $100,000. This same jersey was later resold at Sotheby’s for $3.7 million.

In April, police searched Perez’s home. Approximately 300 stolen jerseys and other valuable items were seized. The Miami Heat confirmed these items came from their facilities.

The case reveals security flaws surrounding valuable sports memorabilia. It also raises questions about protocols in place at NBA franchises. The charges against Perez could lead to significant changes in how these memorabilia are managed.