Chiefsaholic Arrested, What Happened To Chiefsaholic?
by Alaguvelan M
Updated Jul 15, 2023
ChiefsAholic Arrested
In a recent development, it has been reported that a Kansas man, known for his distinctive full wolf's costume at Kansas City Chiefs games, has been apprehended in California after removing his ankle monitor while out on bail for a bank robbery charge. The arrest was made following an extensive three-month-long search for the fugitive, according to federal authorities.
The individual in question, Xaviar Michael Babudar, 28 years old and popularly known as ChiefsAholic among fans of the 2023 Super Bowl champions, was taken into custody in Lincoln, California. The U.S. attorney's office for Missouri's western district confirmed the arrest. Babudar, a resident of Overland Park, Kansas, had disappeared in late March after securing bail subsequent to his arrest in December on suspicion of robbing a credit union in Oklahoma's Tulsa County.
Details revealed in a recently unsealed criminal complaint indicate that prior to his apprehension, Babudar traveled to various locations across the Midwest, allegedly perpetrating a series of bank and credit union robberies. Federal authorities further accuse him of laundering the stolen proceeds through casinos and bank accounts. The criminal complaint specifically charges him with bank theft and interstate transportation of stolen property.
Notably, the complaint alleges that Babudar targeted the Great Western Bank in Clive, Iowa, in March 2022, making off with nearly $70,000 in cash, which he then transported to Missouri. Additional charges may be brought against him as the investigation progresses. Babudar made his initial court appearance in California, where the proceedings were described as largely procedural by his appointed public defender, Hannah Labaree.
The case will now proceed to a grand jury, which will decide whether to indict him on the federal charges related to the Iowa incident or any other charges as deemed necessary. Prior to his arrest, Babudar gained attention when ESPN.com ran an extensive story on him, highlighting his presence as a regular attendee at Chiefs tailgates and games.
Sporting his gray wolf suit, he had amassed a significant following on his ChiefsAholic Twitter account. However, the FBI's affidavit alleges that during this time, Babudar was engaged in a string of bank and credit union robberies across the Midwest. To launder the ill-gotten gains, he purportedly engaged in the purchase and redemption of casino chips in Kansas, Missouri, and Illinois, while also funding his bank accounts.
The affidavit reveals that the robberies resulted in the theft of over $845,000 from six different financial institutions, with approximately $70,000 stemming from the Iowa bank. Authorities were able to recover $163,560, stained with red dye, immediately following one of the heists. According to the affidavit, Babudar deposited around $70,000 in his credit union money market account between March and April 2022.
However, in April, he allegedly withdrew $68,000 and received $65,000 in deposits from casinos, according to court documents. The affidavit also claims that Babudar purchased casino chips exceeding $1.1 million and redeemed a slightly lower amount between April and December 2022.
In an attempt to ascertain a legitimate source of income, FBI Special Agent Cameron Smith states in the affidavit that Babudar reported no wages in Kansas since 2018 and none in any other state since October 2021. The FBI's investigation includes cell phone data placing Babudar near the locations of the robberies, as well as the discovery of gloves in his vehicle that appear to match those worn during the criminal acts.
What Happened To ChiefsAholic?
As the Kansas City Chiefs made their impressive playoff run during the 2022-23 season, one fan, in particular, stood out for all the wrong reasons. Xavier Babudar, widely known as "ChiefsAholic," captured attention once again, but this time it was due to his arrest. After months on the run, Babudar was apprehended in California, adding a new layer of seriousness to his already troubled situation.
The FBI Kansas City took to Twitter to announce Babudar's arrest, revealing that he had been on the run since removing his ankle monitor back in March. This bold escape attempt occurred while he was out on bond, awaiting further developments in his case related to the alleged December robbery. The charges against him now include bank theft and the transportation of stolen property across state lines.
An FBI affidavit sheds light on additional disturbing details surrounding Babudar's activities. It states that between April and December of the previous year, he engaged in a substantial amount of gambling at casinos in Kansas, Missouri, and Illinois, purchasing and redeeming over $1 million in chips.
However, the extent of his crimes goes beyond the realm of robberies and money laundering. According to the Department of Justice, Babudar's cell phone records loosely connect him to locations where other unsolved or attempted bank robberies took place.
Babudar gained a sizable following on social media, portraying himself as an ardent Chiefs supporter under the moniker "ChiefsAholic." He often attended home games and even ventured to road contests, donning a wolf costume that became his trademark. However, his absence towards the end of the 2022 regular season raised concerns among the Chief's Twitter community, only to discover later that he had been arrested in Oklahoma following the alleged robbery. Presently, his Twitter account remains inactive.
What Was The Reason For The Arrest Of Chiefsaholic?
Xaviar Michael Babudar, known by his nickname Chiefsaholic, was arrested for a series of bank robberies that funded his extravagant gambling and travel lifestyle. Renowned for his distinctive wolf costume and avid social media presence dedicated to the Kansas City Chiefs, his actions shocked both the fan community and the victims of his crimes.
Initially arrested in December 2022 for a credit union robbery in Tulsa, Oklahoma, Babudar was released on bond in February 2023. However, in March 2023, he cut off his ankle monitor and became a fugitive. An extensive joint investigation by the FBI uncovered his involvement in multiple robberies and attempted robberies across Nebraska, Iowa, Tennessee, Oklahoma, and Minnesota. He used casinos in Missouri, Kansas, and Illinois to launder the stolen money.
After months on the run, Babudar was finally apprehended in Lincoln, California, on July 9, 2023. Federal charges of bank theft and interstate transportation of stolen property were brought against him, carrying a potential maximum sentence of 10 years per count.
The Chiefs fan community, who had wondered about his disappearance during the 2022 season, was stunned by the news. Notable figures like Pat McAfee and Jason Kelce commented on his story, while the victims and witnesses of his alleged crimes were left traumatized.
Babudar's capture was made possible through the FBI's diligent tracking, utilizing surveillance footage from the credit union robbery and various casinos. He is currently held in Sacramento County Jail and is scheduled to appear in court on July 20, 2023, facing a maximum sentence of 20 years if convicted.
ChiefsAholic Arrested - FAQs
ChiefsAholic is the nickname of Xaviar Michael Babudar, a Kansas City Chiefs superfan.
ChiefsAholic was arrested for robbing banks to fund his gambling and travel expenses.
ChiefsAholic was first arrested in December 2022 for robbing a credit union in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
After being released on bond in February 2023, ChiefsAholic cut off his ankle monitor and went on the run in March 2023.
ChiefsAholic was involved in several other robberies and attempted robberies in Nebraska, Iowa, Tennessee, Oklahoma, and Minnesota.