What we know about the Chiefsaholic bank robbery case

Xaviar Babudar, a well-known Kansas City Chiefs superfan, gained national attention last December when he was arrested for robbing a bank in a small Oklahoma town. Babudar, also known as Chiefsaholic, is a familiar sight at Kansas City games, often seen in a gray wolf suit. He allegedly pointed a pistol at a bank teller and escaped with $150,000 from the Tulsa Teachers Credit Union in Bixby, Oklahoma. Despite the charges, he has pleaded not guilty.

After being released on bond, Babudar removed his ankle monitor and went into hiding one month later. Four months later, he was captured by the FBI in California and was linked to a series of unsolved robberies in the Midwest.

A thorough investigation by ESPN revealed that much of Babudar’s social media persona was not accurate, and that he and his family had a history of minor offenses and interactions with the police. Babudar often posted screenshots of his sports bets, which included a $5,000 wager on the Chiefs to win the previous year’s Super Bowl and on quarterback Patrick Mahomes to win NFL regular-season MVP.

As SC Featured launches a new documentary on Babudar’s story, “Where Wolf,” viewers can learn more about the case by streaming “Where Wolf” on ESPN+ starting Monday.

What are the charges Babudar faces?

In Oklahoma, Babudar is facing charges of robbery with a firearm and assault while masked or disguised, as well as removal of an electronic monitoring device. Robbery with a firearm can result in a prison sentence of five years to life in Oklahoma, while assault while masked or disguised carries a two to five-year sentence, according to the Tulsa county district attorney’s office.

Following his second arrest, a federal grand jury indicted Babudar on 19 counts of armed bank robbery, bank theft, money laundering, and transporting stolen property across state lines. Authorities allege that he robbed or attempted to rob banks and credit unions in Iowa, Minnesota, Tennessee, and Nebraska, from April 2022 through December, and laundered over $1 million in chips through various casinos in Missouri, Kansas, and Illinois. Babudar’s cellphone was traced to the locations of the previously unsolved crimes.

Authorities have also presented evidence linking Babudar to two additional robberies in California and Nevada while he was a fugitive, totaling more than $800,000 in stolen funds. He has pleaded not guilty to both state and federal charges.

Did he ever receive his gambling winnings?

Federal authorities confirmed that Babudar received a check for $100,000, his winnings from the $5,000 Chiefs-related bets, on March 24. Three days later, he removed his ankle monitor and went on the run.

Where is Babudar now?

Babudar is currently awaiting trial at Leavenworth federal prison in Kansas, with his federal trial scheduled to begin in April.

What has he said?

Babudar declined multiple interview requests, but in September, he provided written answers to questions submitted by ESPN through his attorney, Matthew Merryman. He expressed regret for the negative attention brought to his family and the Chiefs’ fan base and apologized for the situation. Babudar acknowledged the pressure he felt, especially on social media, to live up to fans’ expectations and expressed hope that fans would continue to support him.

How have Chiefs fans reacted to his arrest?

Chiefsaholic was a popular figure among the fan base, with fans following his social media posts and engaging with him about the Chiefs and betting. In light of the situation, there have been mixed reactions among fans, with some hoping that Babudar’s story fades away without tainting the Chiefs Kingdom, while others are more lighthearted about the situation.

Reference

Olivia Wilson

Olivia Wilson is a trendsetter in the world of digital culture. With an eagle eye for emerging trends and viral phenomena, she keeps readers up-to-date with the latest online sensations, memes, and pop culture trends. Olivia’s passion for staying ahead of the curve is infectious.