Nearly 3,000 boxes of Legos seized, 2 arrested as part of suspected organized theft network

Lina Portman3 weeks ago

6 1 minute read

Two California residents were arrested in what police called a “Lego theft ring” that stole thousands of dollars' worth of toys, Los Angeles police 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 television station KTLA identified the retailer as Target.

Gudino was observed Tuesday by LAPD detectives when he allegedly stole again from the retailer's Torrance and Lakewood stores, according to the announcement. Police said Gudino then went to Siegel's home in Long Beach to drop off the Legos.

Los Angeles police released photos of Lego sets seized by police from a Long Beach home. Los Angeles Police Department

Officers who searched Siegel's home the next day recovered more than 2,800 boxes of Lego toys worth between $20 and $1,000 each, according to the announcement.

Images provided by police of toys allegedly found in Siegel's home included “Star Wars” and “Ghost Busters” Lego sets.

Police said “potential buyers of the toys,” attracted by online ads allegedly placed by Siegel, arrived at the home while officers were investigating.

Siegel was charged with organized retail theft and Gudino was charged with grand theft, according to the announcement.

It is 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 follow similar thefts of Legos from Bricks & Minifigs stores in Southern California, KTLA reported.