Kansas City Chiefs superfan 'ChiefsAholic' pleads guilty to bank robberies
The infamous 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.
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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.