A past staff member of the Miami Heat has come under serious accusation for allegedly taking Heat memorabilia worth millions of dollars and selling it through online platforms.
Marco Thomas Perez, a 62-year-old resident of Miami, is facing a federal charge of moving and selling stolen items across state lines, based on details shared in a statement by the U.S. Department of Justice.
Perez had already retired from a 25-year career with the City of Miami Police Department before taking up work with the Miami Heat as a security officer during games between 2016 and 2021. From 2022 to 2025, he also served under the NBA’s security division.
Jerseys and Collectibles Reportedly Stolen and Sold With Time
While Perez held his role with the Heat, he had repeated access to a restricted room where the team kept official equipment. Authorities say that during that time, he took over 400 game-used jerseys and additional memorabilia, which he sold to various online dealers.
Investigators explained that he made close to $2 million over three years by selling more than 100 of these items, many of which were sold at lower prices than their actual worth. One of those items was a Miami Heat jersey worn by LeBron James during the NBA Finals, which Perez reportedly sold for around $100,000.
That same jersey was later resold at an auction run by Sotheby’s for $3.7 million. Law enforcement agents searched Perez’s home on April 3. During that operation, they found and confiscated close to 300 jerseys and team-related items that were identified as being taken from the Heat’s official property.
The basketball franchise later confirmed that the items were supposed to be part of a future exhibit at a planned Miami Heat museum.
Federal Agents Take Over Investigation
FBI agents in Miami are currently handling the matter and digging deeper into Perez’s activities while employed by both the Heat and the NBA.
David Campbell, who works as a sports manager for cleveland.com and The Plain Dealer, explained how these jerseys hold serious value for people who collect sports items.
He mentioned that with basketball at one of its highest points in popularity, authentic jerseys worn by players have become some of the most desired items among collectors and supporters everywhere.
