Seattle Man Charged in String of Burglaries at NFL and MLB Star Homes
Seattle authorities charge 21-year-old Earl Henderson Riley IV with orchestrating high-profile athlete home burglaries amid rising security concerns across professional sports.
Authorities in Seattle have charged a 21-year-old man in connection with a wave of high-profile burglaries that have shaken the professional sports community. Earl Henderson Riley IV faces multiple serious charges, including residential burglary and first-degree robbery, after allegedly orchestrating break-ins at the homes of current and former football and baseball stars between February and the present.
The case has drawn attention due to the stature of the victims: Seattle Mariners pitcher Luis Castillo reportedly suffered the loss of luxury Louis Vuitton bags valued at over $6,000, while teammate Julio Rodriguez’s residence was stripped of more than $194,000 worth of purses and jewelry. Former Seattle Seahawks star Richard Sherman also fell victim, losing watches estimated at more than $100,000. Although no items were taken during an attempted burglary at the Washington-area home of Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Blake Snell, the incident fueled concerns among athletes about their safety. Another attempted break-in at baseball Hall of Famer Edgar Martinez’s home was also reported as part of the investigation.
"All people deserve to feel safe in their homes, and our office will continue to hold people accountable for criminal behavior,” said King County Prosecuting Attorney Leesa Manion in a statement, underscoring the gravity of the offenses and the commitment to pursue justice. The recent rash of burglaries targeting well-known athletes is not limited to Seattle; similar incidents have been reported around the country, with criminals frequently striking when athletes are away on official travel.
Federal law enforcement has flagged the trend as particularly concerning. In light of these crimes, major American sports leagues have warned players and staff to remain vigilant. The FBI has cautioned professional teams about the threat posed by organized crime rings focused on athletes’ homes, while both the NFL and NBA have circulated security alerts following burglaries involving other big names, highlighting an atmosphere of heightened concern across the industry.
Riley’s charges come after a months-long investigation involving collaboration across six police jurisdictions in King County. He remains held on $1 million bail at the King County Jail, with his legal representation status currently unclear. Officials say the probe is ongoing, and additional suspects may yet be identified and prosecuted. “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,” said Senior Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Gary Ernsdorff, signaling that further arrests could follow.
Riley is set to make his initial court appearance on June 16, where he will enter a plea. Complicating matters, he already faces another criminal case in King County Superior Court on unrelated charges, including attempting to elude police and unlawful possession of a firearm in the first degree. As the investigation continues, residents and members of the sports community alike await further developments in the wake of this disruptive and high-profile crime spree.
