California Man Arrested in Elaborate Lego Theft Ring Operation

Santa Rosa police have arrested 39-year-old Robert Lopez in connection with an organized Lego theft operation. Officers recovered tens of thousands of stolen Lego pieces and unopened sets worth $6,000 from his residence. The New York Times’ Jin Yu Young described the scene as resembling a “Lego crime scene,” with “plastic figurines everywhere, their heads removed from their bodies and organized in neat rows by facial expression.” Authorities say Lopez allegedly directed accomplices to steal Lego sets from retailers including Target and Walmart. He then repackaged and resold the pieces online at inflated prices. Lopez faces charges of organized retail theft and conspiracy to commit a felony, carrying a potential three-year prison sentence. Industry experts note limited-edition Lego sets can sell for thousands on secondary markets. (Story URL)