A former security officer for the Miami Heat is facing federal charges for allegedly stealing millions of dollars’ worth of team memorabilia, including a LeBron James jersey from the 2013 NBA Finals, and selling the items through an online broker. Marcus Thomas Perez, who appeared in U.S. Superior Court for the Southern District of Florida, pleaded not guilty to felony charges related to transporting and selling stolen interstate goods.
Perez, 62, could face up to 10 years in prison and fines reaching $250,000. His lawyer, Robert Buchel, declined to comment on the case. Perez was responsible for Game Day Security for the Heat from 2016 to 2021 and worked as an NBA security employee from 2022 to 2025. According to a press release by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida and the FBI’s Miami Field Office, Perez had access to a secure equipment room and was one of the few trusted individuals managing hundreds of game-worn jerseys and memorabilia intended for a future Heat museum.
During his employment, Perez is accused of repeatedly accessing the equipment room, stealing jerseys and other items from over 400 games, and selling more than 100 stolen pieces over three years for about $2 million. The items were shipped across state lines, often at prices below market value. One notable piece was the LeBron James jersey from Game 7 of the 2013 NBA Finals, which Perez allegedly sold for around $100,000, though it later sold for $3.7 million at an online auction in 2023. Law enforcement seized nearly 300 stolen jerseys and memorabilia from Perez’s home in a search on April 3.
Fan Take: This case is significant for basketball fans as it highlights the value and importance of preserving sports history with integrity. Such thefts undermine the trust and authenticity that collectors and fans cherish, potentially leading to stricter security measures around priceless memorabilia in the future.
