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Paramount Today
By the People, for the People
California Man Arrested for LEGO Theft Scheme
Suspect replaced LEGO sets with dry pasta before returning them for refunds
Apr. 18, 2026 at 12:23am
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A recent wave of LEGO theft and fraud schemes has exposed vulnerabilities in retail security and the creativity of criminal tactics.Paramount TodayIrvine police have arrested a 28-year-old California man accused of orchestrating a scheme to steal valuable LEGO sets from retail stores, remove the pieces, and replace them with dry pasta before returning the boxes for refunds. The suspect, Jarrelle Augustine, is alleged to have carried out this scheme at least 70 times, resulting in approximately $34,000 in losses across multiple states.
Why it matters
This case highlights the growing problem of retail theft and fraud, particularly targeting high-value consumer products like LEGO sets. The use of dry pasta to mimic the sound of LEGO bricks is a novel tactic that could inspire copycat crimes if not addressed. Authorities are working to determine the full scope of the operation and whether additional suspects are involved.
The details
According to the Irvine Police Department, Jarrelle Augustine, a resident of Paramount, California, purchased LEGO sets from Target stores at least 70 times, primarily selecting high-value themes such as Star Wars and Marvel sets. He would then open the packages, keep the LEGO bricks and mini-figures, and substitute them with bags of dry durum wheat semolina pasta before resealing the boxes and returning them to stores for refund. The department stated that the pasta was chosen because it mimics the sound of LEGO pieces when the box is shaken, helping to avoid detection during store inspections.
- Jarrelle Augustine was arrested by Irvine police earlier this week.
The players
Jarrelle Augustine
A 28-year-old resident of Paramount, California, who is accused of orchestrating a scheme to steal valuable LEGO sets from retail stores, remove the pieces, and replace them with dry pasta before returning the boxes for refunds.
Irvine Police Department
The law enforcement agency that arrested Jarrelle Augustine and is investigating the full scope of his alleged LEGO theft and fraud operation.
Target
The retail chain from which Augustine is accused of stealing LEGO sets, with the company reporting at least 70 thefts tied to the same suspect nationwide.
What they’re saying
“This case highlights the growing problem of retail theft and fraud, particularly targeting high-value consumer products like LEGO sets.”
— Officer Ziggy Azarcon, Irvine Police Department
What’s next
Investigators are working to determine the full scope of Augustine's alleged operation and whether additional suspects are involved.
The takeaway
This case demonstrates the creative tactics criminals will use to defraud retailers, underscoring the need for enhanced security measures and consumer awareness around product tampering. It also raises questions about the vulnerability of high-value items like LEGO sets to organized retail theft.
