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Man Arrested for $34,000 LEGO Theft Scheme

4/17/2026

Summary

Story summary

Jarrelle Augustine, a 28-year-old man, was arrested in Irvine, California, for allegedly stealing LEGO figurines and replacing them with dried pasta.
The Irvine Police Department said Augustine purchased LEGO sets from Target over 70 times, causing about $34,000 in losses.
His scheme, dubbed 'LEGOs for linguine,' involved returning the modified sets to stores, and police released surveillance footage.
He was booked into Orange County Jail for grand theft.

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Story summary

Jarrelle Augustine, a 28-year-old man, was arrested in Irvine, California, for allegedly stealing LEGO figurines and replacing them with dried pasta.
The Irvine Police Department said Augustine purchased LEGO sets from Target over 70 times, causing about $34,000 in losses.
His scheme, dubbed 'LEGOs for linguine,' involved returning the modified sets to stores, and police released surveillance footage.
He was booked into Orange County Jail for grand theft.