Two California residents were arrested in connection with what police referred to as a “Lego theft ring” that stole thousands of dollars worth of the toys, the Los Angeles Police Department announced Friday.
Richard Siegel, 71, and Blanca Gudino, 39, were arrested Wednesday after a retailer identified Gudino as a suspect in a series of thefts at a San Pedro store in December 2023, according to the announcement.
Los Angeles TV station KTLA identified the retailer as Target.
Gudino was observed by LAPD detectives on Tuesday, allegedly stealing again from the retailer’s Torrance and Lakewood stores, according to the announcement. Police said that Gudino then went to Siegel’s home in Long Beach to drop the Legos off.
Los Angelas Police Department
Officers who searched Siegel’s home the following day recovered more than 2,800 boxes of Lego toys that each were valued from $20 to more than $1,000, according to the announcement.
Images provided by the police of toys allegedly found in Siegel’s home included “Star Wars” and “Ghost Busters” Lego sets.
Police said that “potential buyers of the toys” who had been lured by online ads allegedly placed by Siegel arrived at the home during the officers’ investigation.
Siegel was charged with organized retail theft and Gudino was charged with grand theft, according to the announcement.
It’s unclear whether Siegel or Gudino have attorneys representing them. The Los Angeles County district attorney’s office did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
The arrests come after similar thefts of Legos from Bricks & Minifigs stores in Southern California, KTLA reported.
