Pair Accused in $1,300+ Trading Card Theft from Manitowoc Store

Amber Lutzke and Nicholas Arizola arrested for allegedly stealing football and Pokemon cards from Meijer department store.

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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Two people, Amber Lutzke and Nicholas Arizola, both 21 years old, were arrested after allegedly stealing more than $1,300 worth of football and Pokemon trading cards from a Meijer department store in Manitowoc, Wisconsin. Formal charges have not yet been filed, but the pair made bail appearances on Monday.

Why it matters

Retail theft, especially of high-value collectible items like trading cards, is an ongoing issue for businesses. This incident highlights the need for strong security measures and collaboration between law enforcement and retailers to combat organized retail crime.

The details

According to the police, security footage from the Meijer store showed Lutzke and Arizola taking seven boxes of football cards, 15 boxes of Pokemon cards, and other items, with a total value of $1,376.23. When searching a residence connected to the investigation, police also found drug paraphernalia and counterfeit money.

  • On March 9, 2026, Lutzke and Arizola made bail appearances in court.
  • Lutzke is scheduled to return to court on March 30, 2026, for an initial appearance.

The players

Amber Lutzke

A 21-year-old woman who was arrested in connection with the theft of trading cards from the Meijer store.

Nicholas Arizola

A 21-year-old man who was arrested in connection with the theft of trading cards from the Meijer store.

Meijer

A department store chain where the alleged theft of trading cards took place.

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What they’re saying

“Perhaps she stole two boxes, not more. The thefts are 'something we do together,'”

— Amber Lutzke (FOX 11 News)

What’s next

The judge will decide on March 30, 2026, whether to allow Lutzke to be released on bail.

The takeaway

This incident underscores the ongoing challenge of retail theft, particularly of high-value collectible items, and the need for continued collaboration between law enforcement and businesses to combat organized retail crime in the community.