7 charged in thefts of items from athletes' homes

Seven men have been charged with federal crimes in connection with robberies pulled off at the homes of professional athletes.

According to a criminal complaint filed in the Middle District of Florida, the men entered the homes of NFL and NBA players and stole items with a total worth of more than $2 million.

The U.S. Department of Justice identified the men as natives of Chile, each between ages 20 and 38, and as members of a South American theft ring. They were charged with conspiracy to commit interstate transportation of stolen property.

The maximum penalty is 10 years in federal prison.

Known victims of property theft since last fall include Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce of the Kansas City Chiefs, Joe Burrow of the Cincinnati Bengals and Bobby Portis Jr. of the Milwaukee Bucks. The incidents occurred when players were known to be at games or out of town.

Stolen items include designer watches, jewelry and at least one firearm, according to Fox 13 Tampa Bay.

Federal law enforcement recently released a photo, dated Nov. 2, that shows three of the men -- all charged in the complaint -- posing with watches and a safe taken from the home of Portis. The following day, Portis said his home had been broken into during the Bucks' game against the Cleveland Cavaliers.

--Field Level Media