Two North Texas Men Arrested for $400K Multistate Lego Theft Scheme

Authorities have unraveled an elaborate crime ring involving stolen Lego sets valued at nearly $400,000. Brian Fleming and Ladarion Anderson, both 33 and residents of Lancaster, Texas, were arrested in Fort Worth last week for their alleged roles in the multistate operation.

How the Scheme Operated

Investigators revealed that the suspects employed a sophisticated method of altering store receipts. They purchased inexpensive items and manipulated the receipts to appear as though they bought high-value Lego sets. Co-conspirators would then use the fake receipts to steal the corresponding items from Walmart and Target stores.

If challenged, they would present the altered receipts as proof of purchase. The scheme targeted dozens of stores across the DFW metroplex, as well as locations in Austin, Houston, Oklahoma, Florida, and Pennsylvania.

Breakthrough in the Case

The crime ring came to light during a 2022 traffic stop in Texas. Troopers discovered stolen goods linked to retail thefts, leading investigators to identify Fleming and Anderson. Authorities determined that the group had been operating since 2021, targeting numerous locations.

Current Charges and Ongoing Investigation

Fleming and Anderson face charges of organized criminal activity and theft exceeding $300,000. Fleming was also transferred to Smith County for outstanding warrants.

The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) has stated that additional arrests are likely as the investigation continues.

This case highlights the scale of organized retail theft and the ingenuity behind such schemes. Retailers and law enforcement continue to collaborate to combat these crimes effectively.