Lego pasta-and-switch scheme

Target reported at least 70 such thefts across the country that were tied to the suspect, prompting a multi-state investigation.

Irvine police described the scheme as 'off the charts,' noting that the suspect reaped significant profits by selling the stolen pieces online.

Augustine faces multiple counts of grand theft as authorities look for potential accomplices in the unusual operation.

The case highlights the growing market for collectible Lego minifigures and the creative lengths some will go to to defraud retailers.