https://www.kmbc.com/article/chiefs-chiefsaholic-guilty-bank-robbery-plea/60009906
Kansas City Chiefs superfan “ChiefsAholic” pleaded guilty in federal court on Wednesday after a bizarre saga that ultimately saw the 29-year-old arrested and charged with a string of 11 robberies, or attempted robberies, that stretched across seven states.
The man behind the wolf mask, Xaviar Michael Babudar, submitted a guilty plea to one count of money laundering, one count of transporting stolen property across state lines and one count of bank robbery in Oklahoma.
Babudar, who gained notoriety and a large social media presence for wearing a gray wolf suit to Chiefs games as part of his "Chiefsaholic" persona, admitted to stealing more than $800,000 with guilty plea.
The 29-year-old originally pleaded not guilty last year to 19 charges, including armed robbery, bank theft, money laundering and transporting stolen property.
Babudar was released on bond in February 2023. A month later, he removed his ankle monitor and fled. Authorities tracked him down to Lincoln, California, and took him into custody on July 7, 2023.
Babudar's story was featured in a 2023 documentary on ESPN, where he offered his first public comments in the form of a letter read by attorney Matthew Merryman.
Under the terms his plea agreement, Babudar must pay at least $532,675 in restitution to the victimized financial institutions. Babudar also must forfeit an autographed painting of Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick L. Mahomes II that has been recovered by the FBI.
“His violent crime spree across the Midwest and beyond traumatized bank employees and victimized financial institutions in seven states,” said U.S. Attorney Teresa Moore. “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 is subject to a sentence of up to 50 years in federal prison without parole, with the parties agreeing to recommend that the sentences imposed for each count run concurrent to one another.
Babudar’s attorney, Matthew Merryman delivered a statement — full of football metaphors — regarding the guilty verdict:
"Today was a big day for Xaviar Babudar. From the beginning of this case the Government has been blitzing and Xaviar’s pocket was collapsing, but today Xaviar stepped up into the pressure and took responsibility for his actions. If I know anything about Xaviar Babudar and if the Chiefs Kingdom knows anything about ChiefsAholic, it’s that even when Xaviar was under pressure and he stumbled and fell, he did not let his knee touch the ground, because he knows there is still hope. Today Xaviar stood humble and repentant before the eyes of the Court and the eyes of the Chiefs Kingdom. Xaviar loves the Chiefs Kingdom, he loves his family, and he loves Kansas City. He only hopes that you will all rally to his support.”
A sentencing hearing is scheduled for July 10, 2024, after the completion of a presentence investigation by the United States Probation Office.
Full details on the individual "ChiefsAholic" robberies can be found in this release from the U.S. Attorney's Office, Western District of Missouri.
