Ja Morant has been one of several high-level athletes targeted by members of a Chilean gang that stole $2 million in watches, jewellery, cash and other valuables.
Ja Morant had $1 million worth of valuables stolen from his home in December, according to TMZ. The items included jewelry, watches, and luxury bags.
The two-time All-Star's house allegedly was burglarized while the Memphis Grizzlies star guard played a home game against the Golden State Warriors on December 19. On the following day, the Shelby County Sheriff's Office responded to a reported burglary at the home of an anonymous Grizzlies player.
Morant is the alleged victim of the same theft ring that targeted other notable athletes such as Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce, Joe Burrow and Bobby Portis.
The defendants, members of a Chilean gang and aged 22-38, are facing charges of conspiracy to commit interstate transportation of stolen property. If convicted, they each will face up to 10 years in prison.
According to the criminal complaint, lodged in a federal court in Florida, the defendants are part of a burglary ring that "is known to target high-profile professional athletes when they are known to be away from home". Among the goods they stole, were $2m in watches, jewellery, cash and other valuables, including a safe they later cracked.
Some of the men were arrested in January, during a traffic stop in Ohio. Four of the men were found to be in the country illegally according to a court filing in Clark County, Ohio.
Bobby Portis of the Milwaukee Bucks, whose home was robbed, said that it was good to know some arrests had been made.
"You put all you can into the game, and then you come home and all your belongings are gone - things that you worked hard for. It's kind of gratifying that these guys have been caught, obviously, because you work so hard for your things," Portis argued.
Indiana Pacers
Memphis Grizzlies
Orlando Magic
Cleveland Cavaliers
Phoenix Suns
New York Knicks