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Paramount Today
By the People, for the People
California Man Charged in $34K Lego Swap Scheme
Suspect allegedly replaced Lego pieces with dried pasta to get refunds at Target stores
Apr. 17, 2026 at 10:50pm
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Dried pasta substituted for Lego pieces in an alleged retail theft scheme highlights the creative lengths some criminals will go to defraud major retailers.Paramount TodayPolice have arrested a 28-year-old California man, Jarrelle Augustine, on suspicion of grand theft for allegedly buying Lego sets at Target, removing some of the figures, swapping in bags of dried pasta, and then returning the boxes for refunds. Authorities say Augustine is linked to around 70 such incidents at Target stores across the country, resulting in losses totaling roughly $34,000.
Why it matters
This case highlights the growing problem of retail theft and fraud, which has become an increasing concern for major retailers like Target. The alleged scheme, which involved swapping out expensive Lego sets for cheap pasta, demonstrates the creative and deceptive tactics some criminals will use to steal from businesses.
The details
According to police, Augustine would purchase Lego sets from Target, remove some of the Lego figures, and replace them with bags of dried pasta. He would then return the boxes, claiming they were incomplete, and receive refunds. Authorities say they were able to identify Augustine through surveillance footage and that the affected stores include locations in Irvine, Westminster, and Costa Mesa, as well as other sites outside of Orange County.
- On April 16, 2026, Irvine police announced Augustine's arrest.
The players
Jarrelle Augustine
A 28-year-old man from Paramount, California, who was arrested on suspicion of grand theft for allegedly swapping Lego pieces with dried pasta to get refunds at Target stores.
Irvine Police Department
The law enforcement agency that announced Augustine's arrest and investigated the alleged Lego swap scheme.
Target
The retail chain that reported around 70 incidents of the alleged Lego swap scheme, resulting in losses totaling roughly $34,000.
What they’re saying
“Authorities noted the sound of shaking pasta can resemble loose Lego pieces.”
— Officer Ziggy Azarcon, Irvine Police Department
What’s next
Augustine is currently in custody at the Orange County Jail, and authorities are investigating whether he may have committed similar thefts at other retail locations.
The takeaway
This case highlights the growing problem of retail theft and the creative tactics some criminals will use to defraud businesses. It serves as a reminder for retailers to be vigilant in their security measures and for consumers to be wary of any suspicious product returns or exchanges.
