A former Miami Heat security officer has been sentenced to three years in federal prison for stealing hundreds of game-worn jerseys and memorabilia. Marcos Thomas Perez, 62, pleaded guilty to transporting stolen goods and must pay nearly $1.9 million in restitution. The 25-year retired Miami police veteran worked for the Heat from 2016 to 2025.

Perez exploited his access to a secured equipment room where the team stored items for a future museum. Over three years, he sold more than 100 stolen pieces online for approximately $1.9 million. Among the items was a LeBron James NBA Finals jersey he sold for $100,000; it later fetched $3.7 million at a Sotheby's auction.

A search warrant at his home last April recovered nearly 300 additional stolen items. U.S. Attorney Jason Reding Quiñones said Perez betrayed public trust and exploited his access. The case highlights significant security vulnerabilities for teams holding valuable memorabilia, raising questions about internal safeguards for sports franchises.