In a surprising turn of events, the Los Angeles Police Department recently seized over 2,800 boxes of stolen LEGO sets from the home of a 71-year-old man.
Authorities revealed that officers arrested Richard Siegel, 71, along with his alleged accomplice, Blanca Gudino, 39, during a raid at Siegel’s Long Beach residence. The operation led to the discovery of thousands of stolen LEGO sets with a total retail value ranging from $20 to well over $1,000 per box.
How the investigation into the stolen lego sets began
The investigation began when a retailer in San Pedro identified Gudino as the suspect in several robberies that took place last December. This initial lead spurred detectives into action, ultimately uncovering a much larger scheme involving the resale of stolen LEGO sets.
On June 4, after months of surveillance, officers observed Gudino stealing items from retailers in Torrance and Lakewood. They tracked her movements and saw her delivering the stolen goods to Siegel’s home. This crucial evidence led to the successful raid and subsequent arrests.
- Over 2,800 boxes of stolen LEGO sets were recovered.
- Richard Siegel, 71, and Blanca Gudino, 39, were arrested.
- The retail value of the stolen items ranges from $20 to over $1,000 per box.
- The investigation began after a San Pedro retailer identified Gudino as a repeat offender.
- The raid took place on June 4, following months of surveillance.
This case serves as a stark reminder of the lengths some individuals will go to in order to profit from stolen goods. Kudos to the LAPD for their diligent work in bringing this operation to light and ensuring that justice is served.
If you are interested in more information I leave you the Reddit thread where it is being discussed here.
