Seattle Man Charged ‍in Athlete Burglaries Targeting ⁢Rodriguez, ⁢sherman

Updated June‍ 7, 2025
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Earl Henderson Riley IV, 21, of⁣ Seattle, faces multiple ‍burglary and robbery charges for allegedly targeting the homes of prominent athletes. The King County prosecuting attorney’s Office announced the charges Friday.

Riley ‍is accused of leading a burglary ring that stole‍ over $6,000 in Louis Vuitton bags⁤ from Seattle Mariners pitcher Luis Castillo and more than $194,000 in jewelry and purses from Mariners center fielder Julio Rodriguez, according to prosecutors. The‍ athlete burglaries also targeted former Seattle Seahawks cornerback Richard Sherman, from whom watches valued at⁣ over ⁤$100,000 were stolen.An attempted burglary also occurred⁣ at the home of los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Blake Snell, a Washington native, though nothing was taken. baseball Hall of Famer Edgar ⁤Martinez’s home was also targeted, prosecutors said.

King County Prosecuting Attorney Leesa Manion stated that her office is⁣ committed to holding individuals accountable to ensure the safety of residents⁣ in their homes.

Across the U.S.,⁤ a growing trend of⁢ burglaries targeting the homes of high-profile athletes has emerged. These athletes are often targeted⁢ for the perceived high-value ⁤items in their homes, with ⁢thefts frequently occurring when they are away for games.

The FBI has alerted⁣ sports leagues about organized crime groups focusing⁢ on professional ⁣athletes. ⁤Security alerts have also been issued by the NFL ⁣and NBA following burglaries at the⁣ homes of stars ‍like Patrick Mahomes and Travis ⁣Kelce.

The NFL, in a memo obtained by The Associated Press in november, ⁣noted an increase in burglaries targeting athletes’ homes across various sports by skilled groups.

Riley is currently⁢ held in King County Jail with bail set at $1 million.Data⁣ regarding his legal representation was not immediately available. He is also facing charges in a ‍separate case involving eluding police⁢ and unlawful⁢ firearm possession.

The charges⁣ against Riley are the result of a‍ months-long inquiry involving collaboration between the prosecuting attorney’s office and six⁤ police jurisdictions.

Senior deputy Prosecuting Attorney Gary Ernsdorff said the investigation ⁤is ongoing to identify and potentially charge all individuals ⁤involved in the athlete burglaries.

Riley’s⁣ arraignment, where he is expected ⁤to enter his ⁤initial plea, is scheduled for June 16.

What’s‍ next

Authorities‍ plan to continue investigating ⁢to identify all individuals ⁣involved in the athlete burglaries and bring them to justice.