Miami Heat rocked as ex-staffer Marcos Thomas Perez held for selling LeBron James' Game 7 jersey worth millions

There is a developing scandal around the Miami Heat. A former security staffer stands accused of a large theft involving game-worn jerseys and high-value memorabilia. The story has surprised fans and raised questions about team oversight and stolen sports collectibles, sparking concerns over internal security, potential black-market sales, and the integrity of team property management.

Ex-Heat security officer Marcos Thomas Perez faces federal charges

On August 5, Marcos Thomas Perez, aged 62 and a retired Miami police officer, appeared in federal court on charges of transporting stolen goods across state lines. During his time with the Miami Heat (from 2016 to 2021) and later working for the NBA (2022–25), Perez allegedly stole more than 400 game-worn jerseys and valuable items from the Kaseya Center equipment room, where memorabilia intended for a future team museum was stored.

He is accused of selling over 100 stolen items for close to $2 million via online brokers between 2016 and 2025. One prominent piece was a LeBron James jersey from Game 7 of the 2013 NBA Finals, sold by Perez for about $100,000, later resold for $3.7 million at a Sotheby’s auction.

How the Miami Heat memorabilia theft unfolded

Perez worked on the game-day security staff at Miami’s Kaseya Center and had access to a secure storage room containing high-value Heat collectibles.

According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Southern District of Florida and FBI Miami, investigators executed a search warrant at Perez’s home in April 2025. They seized nearly 300 additional stolen items.Perez had also briefly served as security staff for the NBA's national operations. Federal authorities say items were sold at a fraction of fair market value, suggesting he may have had help from intermediaries.Many fans, especially memorabilia collectors, noted they had grown suspicious of unusual online listings of rare Heat gear months before the official investigation began.Also Read: Kawhi Leonard’s Africa visit wins hearts as NBA star builds courts and inspires youth in RwandaThis case highlights major concerns over security protocols in sports franchises. Perez faces federal charges for a serious breach of trust, both to the team and fans.