Identified Suspects in LEGO Theft Bust
: “2,800 Stolen LEGOs Discovered in California Home | YourCentralValley.com”

By | June 7, 2024

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Accident – Death – Obituary News : : 1. “California LEGO theft”
2. “Stolen LEGO collection California”

Two suspects, Richard Siegel and Blanca Gudino, were arrested in California for their involvement in a massive LEGO theft ring. The Los Angeles Police Department uncovered over 2,800 stolen LEGO toy sets in Siegel’s Long Beach home. The stolen toys, including collector’s items and pricier sets like Star Wars and Harry Potter, ranged in value from $20 to over $1,000 each. The suspects were charged with organized retail theft and grand theft, and the investigation is ongoing. This bust is part of a series of thefts targeting LEGO stores in Southern California. Similar incidents involved thieves stealing around $100,000 worth of LEGO toys from Bricks & Minifigs stores.

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1. Massive LEGO theft discovery in California
2. Stolen LEGO stash uncovered in California residence

The LEGO Theft Bust in Southern California

Two individuals were recently apprehended in California as part of an organized retail theft operation involving a substantial amount of stolen LEGO merchandise. The suspects, identified as Richard Siegel, 71, from Long Beach, and Blanca Gudino, 39, from Lawndale, were taken into custody by the Los Angeles Police Department.

Discovery of the Theft Ring

The investigation began in December 2023 when detectives received reports of thefts at a Target store in Los Angeles. Loss prevention staff identified Gudino as the primary suspect in these incidents. On June 4, authorities observed Gudino stealing LEGO products from Target outlets in Torrance and Lakewood, both located in the Los Angeles area. Subsequently, she was found to be delivering the stolen goods to Siegel’s residence in Long Beach.

A Massive Haul

The following day, a search warrant was executed at Siegel’s home, where law enforcement officers uncovered an astonishing 2,800 boxes of stolen LEGO toy sets. Photos from the operation depict shelves filled with LEGO boxes, turning the living room into what resembled a storage warehouse.

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The Stolen Merchandise

Most of the pilfered toys were collector’s items or high-end sets, with individual retail values ranging from $20 to over $1,000 each. Among the stolen sets were coveted Star Wars, Ninjago, Harry Potter, Technic vehicles, LEGO Architecture, Marvel, Minecraft, and special pop-culture editions.

Continued Investigations

During their inquiry at Siegel’s residence, investigators observed potential buyers arriving at the house, lured in by online advertisements allegedly posted by Siegel. As a result, Siegel was arrested on charges of organized retail theft, while Gudino faced accusations of grand theft. The case remains under active investigation.

Previous Incidents

This recent bust follows a series of thefts targeting Bricks & Minifigs stores across Southern California. In those earlier incidents, thieves forcibly entered multiple establishments and made off with around $100,000 worth of LEGO merchandise.

As authorities continue to crack down on organized retail theft rings, the apprehension of Siegel and Gudino stands as a significant victory in combating such criminal activities.