Current:Home > StocksRekubit-Kansas City Chiefs superfan 'ChiefsAholic' pleads guilty to bank robberies -Zenith Investment School
Rekubit-Kansas City Chiefs superfan 'ChiefsAholic' pleads guilty to bank robberies
EchoSense View
Date:2025-04-10 01:31:38
The Rekubitinfamous Kansas City Chiefs superfan "ChiefsAholic" pleaded guilty in federal court Wednesday to charges related to a string of bank robberies in seven states, and he could face up to 50 years in prison.
Xaviar Babudar, who was known to don a werewolf costume at Chiefs games and had a large social media presence among fans, admitted to stealing more than $800,000 from bank robberies throughout the Midwest in recent years, and then using the stolen money to place bets on Chiefs games. The 29 year old plead guilty to one count of money laundering, one count of transporting stolen property across state lines and one count of bank robbery.
Babudar faces a prison sentence of up to 50 years without parole. His sentencing is scheduled for July 10.
'ChiefsAholic' charges
The bank robberies Babudar admitted to began in March 2022, and he stole hundreds of thousands of dollars in several states that year. After he was Oklahoma in December 2022, he was released on bond in February 2023.
All things Chiefs: Latest Kansas City Chiefs news, schedule, roster, stats, injury updates and more.
In June 2022, prior to the start of the 2022 NFL season, prosecutors said Babudar placed $10,000 on two bets at a casino in Illinois, one on Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes to win Super Bowl 57 MVP, and another one on the Chiefs winning the Super Bowl. After Kansas City defeated Philadelphia, Babudar won $100,000 off the bets he placed and was mailed a check in March 2023. When Babudar received his winnings, he cut off his ankle monitor and fled Oklahoma. He was eventually arrested in Sacramento, California, on July 7.
“His violent crime spree across the Midwest and beyond traumatized bank employees and victimized financial institutions in seven states,” U.S. Attorney Teresa Moore said in a statement. “The defendant tried to conceal hundreds of thousands of dollars in stolen cash by using it to gamble online and at casinos, but the odds caught up with him. With today’s conviction, he will be held accountable for the full scope of his criminal conduct, including his attempt to flee from justice.”
As part of the plea agreement, Babudar must pay $532,675 in restitution to the victim financial institutions. He also has to forfeit any property he obtained through money laundering, which includes an autographed painting of Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes that he purchased at an auction.
Babudar's attorney, Matthew Merryman, told reporters outside the courthouse that the plea deal reduces the charges from 20 to three, according to ESPN.
"Today was a big day for Xaviar Babudar," Merryman said. "He took responsibility for his actions. He stood up in court, humble and repentant, and admitted what he had done. ... Moving from 20 charges down to three charges, it was an opportunity. Xaviar Babudar would never physically harm anyone."
Officials said Babudar had lived a "nomadic existence" through the Kansas City area prior to his arrest.
veryGood! (83438)
Related
- Louvre will undergo expansion and restoration project, Macron says
- Braves vs. Mets doubleheader live updates: How to watch, pitching matchups, MLB playoffs
- Man is sentenced to 35 years for shooting 2 Jewish men as they left Los Angeles synagogues
- Exclusive: Disney Store's Holiday Shop Is Here With Magical Gifts for Every Fan, From Pixar to Marvel
- Most popular books of the week: See what topped USA TODAY's bestselling books list
- Cardi B Details Getting Another Round of Her Butt Injections Removed
- DirecTV to acquire Dish Network, Sling for $1 in huge pay-TV merger
- Helene death toll climbs to 90 | The Excerpt
- US appeals court rejects Nasdaq’s diversity rules for company boards
- Oregon DMV waited weeks to tell elections officials about voter registration error
Ranking
- Current, future North Carolina governor’s challenge of power
- Biden administration doubles down on tough asylum restrictions at border
- College football Week 5 overreactions: Georgia is playoff trouble? Jalen Milroe won Heisman?
- Pete Rose dies at 83: Social media mourns MLB, Reds legend
- IRS recovers $4.7 billion in back taxes and braces for cuts with Trump and GOP in power
- Appeal delays $600 million class action settlement payments in fiery Ohio derailment
- Beyoncé strips down with Levi's for new collab: See the cheeky ad
- Opinion: After Kirby Smart suffers under Alabama fist again, the Georgia coach seems to expect it
Recommendation
SFO's new sensory room helps neurodivergent travelers fight flying jitters
Rebel Wilson and Ramona Agruma marry in Italy
Man is sentenced to 35 years for shooting 2 Jewish men as they left Los Angeles synagogues
College football Week 5 overreactions: Georgia is playoff trouble? Jalen Milroe won Heisman?
Dick Vitale announces he is cancer free: 'Santa Claus came early'
Startling video shows Russian fighter jet flying within feet of U.S. F-16 near Alaska
Man is sentenced to 35 years for shooting 2 Jewish men as they left Los Angeles synagogues
4 sources of retirement income besides Social Security to rely upon in 2025