In a stunning turn of events, Xaviar Babudar, famously known as ChiefsAholic, was handed a hefty prison sentence of more than 17 years by a federal judge in Kansas City. The sentencing took place on the same day the Kansas City Chiefs kicked off their new season, adding a sense of irony to the situation.

Babudar had previously pleaded guilty to a slew of charges, including money laundering, transporting stolen property across state lines, and an act of bank robbery at a credit union near Tulsa. These charges were connected to a total of 11 bank robberies or attempted robberies spanning across seven states.

According to court documents, Babudar used local casinos and online gambling to launder a large portion of the stolen money. As part of his sentencing, he also faces the obligation to pay $532,000 in restitution and forfeit a valuable autographed painting of Patrick Mahomes.

The series of events leading up to Babudar's sentence began with his arrest on December 16, 2022, following the credit union robbery near Tulsa. While awaiting trial in Oklahoma, he managed to cut off his ankle monitor and escape. Notably, he disappeared just days after receiving a substantial payout of $100,000 from a casino for winning Super Bowl bets on the Chiefs.

After months on the run, Babudar was eventually apprehended in Sacramento, California in July 2023. Federal court documents released after his arrest shed light on his modus operandi, revealing that he had been robbing financial institutions throughout 2022 to finance his extravagant lifestyle centered around attending Kansas City Chiefs games and other exclusive events.

The impact of Babudar's actions was highlighted by witness statements from bank employees who had encountered him during the robberies. One employee from Nashville, Tennessee, described suffering from PTSD a year after the incident, recounting his menacing behavior as he climbed over the bank teller counter, brandishing a firearm and demanding to be taken to the vault. Another employee from Iowa shared a similar traumatic experience, expressing guilt for being unable to prevent Babudar's crimes.

During the hearing, Babudar expressed remorse, guilt, and shame for his actions, apologizing to the victims and their families. He also conveyed gratitude to the prosecution's office for providing him with an opportunity to seek rehabilitation and reconnect with his faith.

Babudar's defense attorney, Matthew T. Merryman, highlighted his client's troubled childhood, which involved chronic homelessness, and argued for a 10-year sentence. Merryman also emphasized Babudar's self-reflection, acknowledging his greed and selfishness, and his desire to partake in rehabilitation services to address his gambling addiction.

In contrast, Senior Litigation Counsel Patrick D. Daly pushed for a 20-year sentence, citing the scale of the robberies, the collaboration with multiple U.S. Attorney Offices, and the trauma inflicted by Babudar. Ultimately, Judge Howard F. Sachs decided on a sentence of 17.5 years for Babudar, acknowledging the gravity of the crimes committed.

This case, prosecuted jointly by several U.S. Attorney Offices, the FBI, and the Bixby, Oklahoma Police Department, serves as a stark reminder of the consequences that accompany criminal actions. As ChiefsAholic's chapter as a superfan comes to a close, the Kansas City community and Chiefs supporters are left grappling with the shocking betrayal committed by one of their own.