A 21-year-old man from Seattle, Earl Enderson Riley IV, was charged on Friday in connection with a series of burglaries that targeted prominent current and former professional athletes. Riley faces multiple charges, including residential burglary, both for occupied and unoccupied homes, and first-degree robbery, according to the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office.
The Crimes and the Victims
Prosecutors claim that Riley led a string of burglaries beginning in February. Among his victims were several high-profile athletes, including Seattle Mariners pitcher Luis Castillo and center fielder Julio Rodriguez. Riley allegedly stole over $6,000 worth of Louis Vuitton bags from Castillo’s home and took more than $194,000 in luxury purses and jewelry from Rodriguez’s residence.
Additionally, Riley is accused of taking several expensive watches, worth more than $100,000, from former Seattle Seahawks cornerback Richard Sherman’s home. A burglary at the home of Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Blake Snell, who is originally from Washington, occurred, though no items were stolen in that instance. Court documents also mention an attempted burglary at the home of baseball Hall of Famer Edgar Martinez.
The Impact and Community Concerns
King County Prosecuting Attorney Leesa Manion emphasized that everyone deserves to feel safe in their own home, highlighting the importance of holding criminals accountable for their actions. This case is part of a worrying trend where athletes are increasingly being targeted due to the high-end items they possess, especially when they are away for games.
Athletes being targeted by burglars has become more common recently. In December, the FBI issued a warning to sports leagues about organized crime groups targeting professional athletes. By then, several athletes, including stars like Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce, and Luka Dončić, had fallen victim to similar crimes.
Investigation and Arrest
Riley’s arrest came after a lengthy investigation involving six different police jurisdictions. Prosecutors have made it clear that their work is far from finished. Senior Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Gary Ernsdorff mentioned that they are continuing to look for other individuals involved and gathering more evidence to support additional charges.
Riley is currently being held in King County Jail on a $1 million bail. It is unclear if he has secured a lawyer at this point. He is scheduled for an initial court appearance on June 16, where he is expected to enter his plea. In addition to the charges related to the burglaries, Riley also faces a separate case in King County Superior Court, where he is charged with attempting to evade the police and illegal possession of a firearm.
This case highlights a troubling trend of high-profile athletes being targeted by burglars who exploit the valuable items often found in their homes. The arrest of Earl Enderson Riley IV is a step forward in addressing these crimes, but investigations are ongoing to ensure that all those involved are brought to justice. As the case unfolds, it remains a reminder of the vulnerability that even the most well-known individuals face when it comes to crime.
