Two individuals, Dimitriy Nezhinskiy and Juan Villar, have been apprehended and charged with conspiracy to receive stolen property transported across state lines. Their arrests are connected to a sophisticated network of burglaries targeting high-value residences across the United States, including the home of Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow. Authorities allege that Nezhinskiy and Villar acted as “fences,” purchasing stolen goods from South American-based burglary crews. This operation involved the acquisition and resale of luxury items, effectively laundering the proceeds of these criminal activities. The investigation has linked the two men to Bryan Leandro Herrera Maldonado, a prolific burglar implicated in 16 separate incidents between 2019 and 2020.
The investigation into Nezhinskiy and Villar stemmed from a December 2024 burglary at Joe Burrow’s Ohio residence. Law enforcement officials uncovered evidence connecting Nezhinskiy to at least two members of the crew responsible for this particular incident. The thieves targeted Burrow’s home while he was in Dallas for a game against the Cowboys. Olivia Ponton, a model and social media influencer employed by Burrow, reported the burglary to the police. The incident prompted Burrow to publicly address the violation of his privacy, highlighting the challenges athletes face in balancing their public lives with the need for personal security.
The arrests of Nezhinskiy and Villar culminated in the execution of search warrants at a pawn shop in New York City’s Diamond District and a storage facility in New Jersey. These searches yielded a treasure trove of suspected stolen goods, including high-end watches, jewelry, luxury handbags, wine, sports memorabilia, artwork, and power tools commonly used in burglaries and safecracking. Authorities also seized significant quantities of cash and marijuana. These discoveries paint a picture of a large-scale operation involving the fencing of stolen goods and potentially other illicit activities.
The arrests of Nezhinskiy and Villar followed the apprehension of four Chilean nationals several weeks earlier, also connected to the burglary of Burrow’s home. During their arrest, law enforcement recovered an LSU shirt and a Bengals hat, believed to have been stolen from Burrow’s residence. Additionally, the suspects’ vehicle contained two Husky automatic center punch tools, commonly employed by the South American Theft Group, further solidifying the connection between these individuals and the larger criminal network.
The case against Nezhinskiy and Villar highlights the increasing sophistication and reach of organized burglary rings targeting high-profile individuals and their valuable possessions. The South American Theft Group, with its apparent connections to these incidents, represents a significant threat, exploiting international borders and sophisticated tactics to carry out their crimes. The recovery of stolen property and the arrests made in this investigation demonstrate the effectiveness of law enforcement collaboration in dismantling these criminal enterprises.
The burglary at Joe Burrow’s home, while unfortunate, has shed light on the vulnerabilities faced by public figures. Burrow’s public comments regarding the incident underscore the delicate balance between maintaining privacy and navigating the demands of a public life. This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of security measures and the potential risks associated with fame and fortune. The ongoing investigation and subsequent arrests offer a measure of justice while serving as a deterrent to future criminal activity targeting high-profile individuals and their property.
