A California resident is at the center of an unusual scheme involving the theft of Lego sets, which authorities say unraveled piece by piece.
Jarrelle Augustine, a 28-year-old from Paramount, is accused of executing a unique scam involving the purchase of Lego sets from Target stores. According to Irvine police, Augustine allegedly removed the valuable minifigures and pieces from the sets before replacing them with dried pasta and returning the boxes for a refund.
Investigations have tied Augustine to approximately 70 incidents across the nation, resulting in losses estimated at $34,000.
The Irvine Police Department reported that detectives were able to identify Augustine as the suspect through surveillance footage. He has since been apprehended and is currently facing grand theft charges at the Orange County Jail.
Released images from Irvine police depict Augustine allegedly taking Lego sets from a Target location and subsequently being arrested.
In a social media update, the police department shared insights into the peculiar case and added a lighthearted note about the unconventional method employed in the thefts.
“If your master plan involves swapping LEGOs for linguine, we can promise your plan will be cooked al dente,” Irvine police said in a Facebook post.
Video released by police appears to show the suspect taking LEGO sets from a store shelf and walking out.
Lego minifigures are shown organized in compartments after investigators said they were removed from retail sets in a theft scheme. (Irvine Police Department)
The footage then shows officers placing him under arrest in body camera video.
The unusual case also drew reactions online, with some social media users leaning into the humor.
“This case had so many pastabilities. Good for IPD, using their noodle!” one commenter wrote.
Authorities said the suspect filled Lego boxes with dried pasta to mimic the original weight before returning them as part of a theft scheme. (Irvine Police Department)
“You mean to tell me he was an… impasta?! I’ll see myself out,” another joked.
Others questioned the method, with one user writing, “Stealing Legos and Goya beans? WTF?”
