The Chilean gang-related burglary task force investigates the Joe Burrow burglary

CINCINNATI (WKRC) – The Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation confirmed Wednesday that the Southwest Ohio Burglary Task Force is investigating a burglary at Anderson Township, home of Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow.

The task force was established by Ohio’s attorney general in response to a series of burglaries in affluent neighborhoods believed to be linked to organized networks in Chile.

Retired Los Angeles police detective Mike Maher, who was among the first to identify these gangs, said the minions rent the thieves’ apartments and cars as they go around the country robbing luxury homes.

“They probably took jewelry and valuables that were small and easy to carry; they were probably dressed in dark clothes; they were probably driving a rental car and that house was probably located on a greenbelt,” Maher said.

Greenbelts refer to areas with woods or trees behind them, which was the case at Burrow’s residence. Indian Hill resident Ryan Ramsey suffered a similar crime in 2023.

“An overwhelming sense of violation,” Ramsey said. “You start to question your security, whether you’re being followed or not.”

The break-in at Burrow’s home is the latest in a series of incidents involving professional athletes across the country, including NBA players Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce of the Kansas City Chiefs. The NFL issued a security advisory for teams and players, warning of “organized and skilled” groups committing these thefts.

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said Wednesday that The league is cooperating with the FBI on the burglaries. He admitted it’s difficult when it’s well known when a high-profile athlete is out of town for a game.

“And so I think all of that is something that we’re all trying to address. But it’s clear that there is an organized fashion here that we hope the FBI and the authorities can handle,” Goodell said.

Authorities have confirmed that several Chilean nationals have been arrested in the past year in connection with local burglaries, though none of the agencies involved in the task force would comment on camera.