Former NBA Heat security guard arrested for stealing game souvenirs and sold James s sky-high jersey for $100,000

Recently, Florida prosecutors accused former security officer of Miami Heat and retired police officer Marcos Perez of allegedly stealing and selling multi-million-dollar team souvenirs. According to reports, 62-year-old Marcos appeared in court for the first time on August 5.

reported that Marcos worked for the Miami Police Department for 25 years. After retiring, he served as a security officer for the Miami Heat from 2016 to 2021, and then as an official NBA security officer from 2022 to 2025. During this work, he stole more than 400 jerseys and other game supplies and placed the stolen goods on the black market or sold across states at low prices. These include the jersey worn by well-known star LeBron James in the 2013 NBA Finals. Federal officials said the jersey, which was sold at Sotheby's in 2023 for a sky-high price of $3.7 million, was originally sold by Marcos for $100,000.

According to a FBI announcement, authorities raided Marcos' residence with a search warrant on April 3 this year and found about 300 stolen game jerseys and other precious souvenirs. The Miami Heat later confirmed that the items were stolen from the team's warehouse. Court documents show that Marcos sold more than 100 items of stolen goods, totaling about $2 million.

It is reported that Marcos was responsible for game day security at the Miami Heat's home court Cassia Center, and is one of the few people who can enter the room where precious souvenirs are stored. According to reports, the equipment is stored in the room with souvenirs planned by the Miami Heat to be exhibited at the team exhibition hall.