Just in time for the Kansas City Chiefs season-opener against the Baltimore Ravens, sentencing was announced for the infamous “ChiefsAholic” this afternoon.
The Chiefs superfan who became infamous for robbing banks across the country has officially been sentenced to federal prison.
Xaviar Babudar, known for donning a wolf suit and cheering as “ChiefsAholic,” was sentenced to 17.5 years in federal court on Thursday after pleading guilty to a series of felonies.
In February, Babudar admitted to three charges: money laundering, transporting stolen property across state lines, and robbing a bank in Oklahoma.
His sentencing caps a criminal saga that spanned several states and involved a string of bank heists. Babudar’s attorney declined to comment on the sentencing.
According to court documents, Babudar was accused of robbing or attempting to rob 11 banks in seven states.
Prosecutors said he laundered the stolen money through casinos and online gambling platforms. The money, they claim, helped fund his extravagant lifestyle, including Kansas City Chiefs game tickets, travel expenses, and gambling wagers.
While Babudar made headlines as a diehard fan, his crimes ran deep.
U.S. Attorney Teresa Moore condemned his actions, stating, “His violent crime spree across the Midwest and beyond traumatized bank employees and victimized financial institutions in seven states.
“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.”
Babudar’s downfall began in March 2023 when, while out on bond, he received a $100,000 check and cut off his ankle monitor, fleeing law enforcement.
He remained on the run for several months, during which time prosecutors say he committed two additional bank robberies.
He was eventually captured in northern California and has been in federal custody ever since.
FBI Special Agent in Charge Stephen A. Cyrus previously remarked on Babudar’s reckless behavior: “While Babudar garnered significant national attention, his criminal actions were reckless – intimidating and victimizing bank employees and the institutions themselves.”
As part of his plea deal, over a dozen charges were dropped. However, Babudar is required to pay at least $532,675 in restitution to the financial institutions he robbed.
He must also forfeit any assets tied to the crimes, including an autographed painting of Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes.
What are your thoughts on the sentencing???