(Cupventi.com) – A significant LEGO theft ring was uncovered in California, leading to the arrest of two individuals involved in the operation. Richard Siegel, 71, and Blanca Gudino, 39, were apprehended by the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) following a comprehensive investigation that began in December last year.
The investigation was prompted by a retailer who identified Gudino as a suspect in several thefts at their San Pedro location. Subsequently, the police monitored Gudino’s activities, which led to her being observed stealing from the retailer’s Torrance and Lakewood locations on Tuesday.
She was then seen dropping off the stolen LEGO sets at Siegel’s home.Upon executing a search warrant at Siegel’s residence the following day, detectives discovered over 2,800 boxes of LEGO sets, with individual prices ranging from $20 to $1,000.
The police noted that potential buyers, drawn in by ads placed by Siegel on internet sales sites, arrived at the house during the investigation.As a result, both Siegel and Gudino were taken into custody. Siegel has been charged with organized retail theft, while Gudino faces charges of grand theft.
It remains unclear whether either of them has legal representation at this time.The LAPD is now urging anyone with information regarding this theft ring to come forward and assist in the ongoing investigation.