Ex-Miami Heat Security Guard Pleads Guilty to Stealing and Selling Team Memorabilia

A former security guard for the Miami Heat has admitted to illegally transporting and selling stolen memorabilia across state lines. The individual, Marcos Thomas Perez, 62, was employed by the team from 2016 to 2021 and previously served 25 years with the Miami Police Department. He also worked in NBA security until recently.

Perez was accused of stealing hundreds of game-worn jerseys and other valuable items stored in a secured equipment room, intended for display at the Heat’s museum. During his time working security at the team’s arena, he allegedly took and sold over 400 jerseys, earning about $1.9 million from sales online over a span of three and a half years. The most notable item was a jersey worn by LeBron James during the 2013 NBA Finals, which fetched approximately $100,000 initially and was later auctioned at Sotheby’s for $3.7 million—marking it as the third-highest price ever for a game-worn jersey.

Law enforcement executed a search warrant at Perez’s home in April and recovered nearly 300 pieces of memorabilia, all confirmed by the Heat as originating from their facilities. Perez has pleaded guilty to charges related to his activities, with sentencing scheduled for October 31. He faces up to 10 years in prison, three years of probation, and a fine of up to $250,000.

His defense attorney expressed hope that Perez’s prior service in law enforcement would be taken into account, emphasizing his remorse and history as a dedicated officer in Miami. Perez, now retired, has acknowledged his mistakes and accepted responsibility for his actions.