Authorities in Irving, California, have arrested two additional suspects in connection with a fraudulent LEGO return scheme, following a similar incident earlier this week where a thief allegedly filled boxes with pasta to obtain refunds.
Arrests and Charges
Adriana Esquerra Gonzalez, 29, and Luis Aldredo Quintanilla Pompa, 30, both from Tijuana, Mexico, were taken into custody last week on suspicion of shoplifting. According to Irving police, the couple attempted to return boxes of LEGO toys to a Target store, but the minifigures were missing from the packages.
The arrests mirror a case from earlier in the week, where a suspect was accused of returning LEGO boxes filled with dried pasta for refunds. Police report that Gonzalez and Quintanilla Pompa had visited five other stores on the same day, allegedly conducting similar scams.
Investigation and Evidence
Investigators collaborated with loss prevention officers at the stores to identify the suspects. Upon searching the duo's vehicle, police discovered several stolen LEGO pieces, providing further evidence of their involvement in the scheme.
The recent arrest follows the apprehension of Jarrelle Augstine, 28, who was charged with grand theft in connection with at least 70 LEGO thefts across the United States. Augustine is accused of stealing $34,000 worth of LEGO toys by swapping them with dried pasta and returning the boxes for refunds. Officer Ziggy Azarcon of the Irving Police Department noted, "One of the cases that occurred here in Orange County, they shared that they opened the box and instead of Legos, they found bags of dry pasta."
Ongoing Concerns
These incidents highlight a growing trend of retail fraud involving LEGO products, prompting retailers and law enforcement to increase vigilance. The Irving police continue to investigate and urge anyone with information to come forward.
