Authorities in Northern California have arrested a Lake County resident in connection with a large-scale Lego theft scheme, which involved stealing thousands of dollars’ worth of sets from local stores.

Santa Rosa Police reported that 39-year-old Robert Lopez was taken into custody Monday at his Hidden Valley Lake home on Spyglass Road, following an investigation that began in September.

Police said Lopez is accused of directing others to steal high-value Lego sets and then buying the stolen property at discounted prices to resell, while also selling Lego mini-figures at inflated rates.

Detectives reviewed digital evidence, conducted surveillance, and collaborated with retail theft investigators from Target and Walmart to build the case.

During a search of Lopez’s home, officers reportedly found tens of thousands of Lego pieces, describing the scene as a “large-scale operation.”

"The living room was filled with tubs, bins, and desks covered in loose LEGO pieces, along with numerous unopened boxes of new LEGO sets," the police statement said. "In the kitchen, thousands more pieces were scattered, and hundreds of disassembled LEGO minifigures were found with bodies separated from heads, which were neatly organized by facial expression."

Investigators also discovered Lego sets, assembled mini-figures, large bins of loose pieces, and packaging in the hallway and garage. The total estimated value of the stolen items exceeds $6,000.

Officers additionally located a safe containing ammunition, high-capacity magazines, and two firearms, including a pump-action pistol-grip shotgun with a collapsible stock and drum-style magazine, plus a loaded assault rifle with a high-capacity magazine.

A loaded handgun was also found in a lockbox in Lopez’s bedroom.

Police noted that Lopez is a convicted felon prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition.

Lopez was booked into Sonoma County Jail on multiple charges, including organized retail theft, receiving stolen property, conspiracy, and three counts of being a felon in possession of a firearm.

Authorities said the investigation is ongoing to identify additional suspects and determine the stores from which the Lego products were stolen.