In a case exposing the shocking vulnerability of professional athletes to criminal activities, a burglar has been captured after robbing the homes of NFL and MLB stars.
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The burglary spree by Earl Henderson Riley IV is a stark reminder of the safety threats faced by those in the public eye.
The charges brought against him could serve as a turning point in addressing this alarming trend.
Riley, a 21-year-old from Seattle, faces serious charges for allegedly targeting homes of NFL and MLB athletes in a series of brazen burglaries.
The King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office indicted him on multiple counts, including residential burglary and first-degree robbery.
His alleged victims include prominent sports figures like Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Blake Snell and former Seattle Seahawks cornerback Richard Sherman.
Riley’s criminal spree began in February, affecting the homes of Seattle Mariners players like Luis Castillo and Julio Rodriguez.
The charges underscore the seriousness of the crimes Riley is accused of, with items stolen valued at over $300,000.
Expensive designer purses and jewelry were reportedly among the targeted possessions, revealing the high-stakes nature of the burglaries.
In Sherman’s case, the situation was especially terrifying as it unfolded with his family present, an incident he described as “a scary situation.”
He praised his wife’s composed response during the ordeal.
Authorities, including the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office and various police jurisdictions, collaborated extensively to bring charges against Riley.
Senior Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Gary Ernsdorff recognized Riley as the apparent “ringleader” of the burglary group, emphasizing the ongoing investigation to uncover other potential culprits.
“We could do that once we identified what we believe is the ringleader of this bunch and charge him as we’ve done today. That doesn’t mean our work is finished. We still want to go and identify everybody who was involved and see if there are additional people that we can have sufficient evidence to charge,” stated Senior Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Gary Ernsdorff, cited by ABC News.
Riley’s arrest highlights not only the direct threat to the athletes but also a growing pattern of organized crime targeting high-profile individuals.
Following these incidents, the FBI and professional sports leagues have issued warnings about sophisticated crime techniques used against athletes, such as drones and signal-jamming devices.
This raises broader concerns over security, privacy, and the need for stringent measures to protect individuals in the limelight.
Seattle man charged with string of burglaries at the homes of NFL and MLB stars https://t.co/Rxrzc5fZmi
— KPRC 2 Houston (@KPRC2) June 7, 2025
Richard Sherman publicly condemned the rise in athlete-targeted crimes, encouraging community cooperation in identifying and bringing those responsible to justice.
This case serves as a sobering reminder and a call to action for law enforcement and communities alike to prioritize the protection of all citizens, regardless of fame or fortune.
“House being robbed at gunpoint with my family in it isn’t what anyone wants for a birthday gift. Scary situation that my wife handled masterfully and kept my kids safe. If anyone has any info that can help find these people please reach out,” Sherman said.
As the investigation unfolds, Riley remains held on $1 million bail, awaiting a plea entry on June 16.
