James jerseys once sold at a bargain! Miami Heat security theft case verdict: 3 years imprisonment + $1.9 million compensation

On January 24th, Miami time, a former security officer of the Miami Heat was sentenced to 3 years in federal prison for stealing hundreds of players’ game-worn jerseys and other precious sports collectibles while employed, and was ordered to compensate nearly $1.9 million.

Court records indicate that 62-year-old Perez was sentenced at the beginning of this month. In August of last year, he admitted to charges involving the interstate transport and transfer of stolen property.

This retired Miami police officer with 25 years of service worked for the Heat from 2016 to 2021, and served as an NBA security personnel from 2022 to 2025.

“The defendant in this case was once a police officer but betrayed public trust and exploited his access to his beloved hometown team for personal gain,” stated Florida’s Southern District federal prosecutor Giniones in a statement. “The Miami Heat represent the spirit of excellence forged through hard work and discipline in South Florida, and the defendant’s actions are completely contrary to the team’s values.”

According to federal prosecutors and the FBI investigation,Perez stole more than 400 jerseys and other items from the team’s security equipment room and sold them through multiple online platformsHe was able to access this area because he was responsible for game-day security at the Kaseya Center. The Heat originally intended to use the memorabilia stored in this security equipment room for a future team museum exhibit, and Perez was one of the few employees authorized to enter this room.

Authorities reported that over more than three years, Perez sold over 100 stolen items for approximately $1.9 million, often shipping them across state lines, with prices usually well below their true value.Among them, a Miami Heat jersey worn by LeBron James during the NBA Finals was sold by Perez for roughly $100,000, while the same jersey later fetched $3.7 million at a Sotheby’s auction.

Law enforcement executed a search warrant at Perez’s residence in April last year, seizing nearly 300 unsold stolen game-worn jerseys and memorabilia. The Miami Heat have confirmed these items were stolen from the team’s arena.