California man accused in $34K Lego theft scheme using pasta

Jarrelle Augustine allegedly replaced valuable Lego pieces with dried pasta before returning sets to Target

Apr. 18, 2026 at 6:37pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a Lego minifigure's head against a pitch-black background, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash, creating a stark, gritty, investigative aesthetic.A Lego minifigure's head, partially obscured, becomes the focus of an investigation into a bizarre theft scheme involving pasta.Paramount Today

A 28-year-old California man named Jarrelle Augustine is accused of an elaborate Lego theft scheme, where he allegedly bought Lego sets from Target, removed the valuable minifigures and pieces, and then returned the boxes filled with dried pasta, resulting in around $34,000 in losses. Police used surveillance footage to identify Augustine as the suspect and arrested him on grand theft charges.

Why it matters

This unusual case highlights the lengths some criminals will go to steal and profit from popular consumer products. Lego sets have become a target for theft due to their high resale value, leading retailers and law enforcement to closely monitor these types of crimes.

The details

According to police, Augustine would purchase Lego sets from Target, remove the valuable minifigures and pieces, and then return the boxes filled with dried pasta. Investigators linked him to roughly 70 thefts nationwide totaling about $34,000 in losses. Police used surveillance footage to identify Augustine as the suspect and arrested him, booking him into the Orange County Jail on grand theft charges.

  • The alleged thefts occurred over an unspecified period of time, with police linking Augustine to around 70 incidents nationwide.

The players

Jarrelle Augustine

A 28-year-old man from Paramount, California, who is accused of the Lego theft scheme.

Irvine Police Department

The law enforcement agency that investigated the case and arrested Augustine.

Target

The retail chain where Augustine allegedly purchased the Lego sets and returned the boxes filled with pasta.

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What they’re saying

“If your master plan involves swapping LEGOs for linguine, we can promise your plan will be cooked al dente.”

— Irvine Police Department

“This case had so many pastabilities. Good for IPD, using their noodle!”

— Facebook user

“You mean to tell me he was an... impasta?! I'll see myself out.”

— Facebook user

What’s next

Augustine is currently being held in the Orange County Jail on grand theft charges. The case is still under investigation, and it's unclear if he will face additional charges for the alleged nationwide thefts.

The takeaway

This unusual Lego theft scheme highlights the creativity and lengths some criminals will go to steal and profit from popular consumer products. It also underscores the importance of retailers and law enforcement working together to monitor and prevent these types of crimes.