Kansas City Chiefs superfan 'ChiefsAholic' pleads guilty to 11 robberies, faces up to 50 years in prison

The Kansas City Chiefs superfan, “ChiefsAholic,” pleaded guilty in federal court Wednesday to charges related to a string of 11 robberies, or attempted robberies, of financial institutions in seven states, the United States Attorney’s Office announced.

“ChiefsAholic,” real name Xaviar Michael Babudar, 29, pleaded guilty to one count of money laundering and one count of transporting stolen property across state lines. He also pleaded guilty to one count of bank robbery. Babudar admitted he engaged in nine bank and credit union robberies (or attempted robberies) in 2022, followed by two bank robberies committed while he was a fugitive from justice. He laundered the bulk of the stolen money on casinos and online gambling.

Babudar faces up to 50 years in federal prison without parole. He owes at least $532,675 in restitution to the victim financial institutions. Babudar must also forfeit to the government an autographed painting of Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes. The FBI has recovered the painting.

“His violent crime spree across the Midwest and beyond traumatized bank employees and victimized financial institutions in seven states,” U.S. Attorney Teresa Moore said. “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.”

Chiefs superfan set for sentencing hearing in summer 2024

Babudar was a beloved member of the “Chiefs Kingdom,” known for posting weekly hype videos on social media before games. He was active at tailgates, mingling with fellow fans and taking pictures.

A sentencing hearing is scheduled for July 10, 2024, following the completion of a presentence investigation by the U.S. Probation Office.

“While Babudar garnered significant national attention,” FBI Special Agent in Charge Stephen A. Cyrus said, “his criminal actions were reckless – intimidating and victimizing bank employees and the institutions themselves. Significant law enforcement resources were utilized across multiple states to locate and arrest Babudar.

“This would not have occurred without the assistance and due diligence of our local, state, and federal partners. Today’s guilty plea highlights the value the FBI places on these partnerships and the continued commitment by law enforcement across the nation to hold individuals accountable for their actions.”