How ALTO Helped Prosecutors Secure Felony Pleas in LEGO Theft Case

Overview
In a major Northern California retail crime case, ALTO partnered with the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office and a national retail chain to secure accountability against a serial shoplifter responsible for stealing nearly $25,000 in high-demand merchandise, including LEGO products. Known in the media as the “LEGO Thief,” the defendant targeted multiple Bay Area retail locations, exploiting quick grab-and-go thefts that placed stores, employees, and communities at risk.

Challenge
Large-scale organized retail theft often spans multiple jurisdictions, making prosecution complex. Cases are frequently weakened when witnesses are not available or when critical documentation is not received by the DA. In this case, prosecutors noted that without additional support and coordinating the necessary witnesses, several felony charges could have been dropped at the preliminary hearing.

ALTO’s Role in the LEGO Theft Case

• Witness Coordination: ALTO ensured six employee witnesses from three different stores were available to testify at the preliminary hearing.
• Courtroom Presence: ALTO advocate supported witnesses in court, staying the entire day to provide continuing advocacy.
• Prosecutor Collaboration: ALTO worked side-by-side with the Contra Costa DA’s Office including through the DA’s efforts to secure the presence of the employee witnesses from multiple stores, and acting as a liaison between the DA office and witnesses to ensure that the DAs are provided with the witnesses and documentation they need to move the case forward.
• Ongoing Case Management: ALTO continued its partnership and collaboration with the retailer and the DA’s team throughout including when the case was being prepared for Jury Trial, ensuring there were no gaps in communication or witness coordination. ALTO assisted the DA’s office in securing the numerous witnesses needed for the jury trial.
• Constant Updates: ALTO, at every step, kept the retailer apprised. The affected retailer expressed appreciation for ALTO “always being available” and providing them with updates faster than they can ask for.

Results

• Defendant held to answer on all charges at the preliminary hearing
• Guilty plea entered to four felony counts one week before trial
• Sentenced to four years of supervision: two years in custody and two years under mandatory supervision
• Ordered to pay $9,387.95 in restitution to the retailer.
• Criminal protective order issued, banning the offender from multiple retail locations: Walnut Creek, Fremont, and San Ramon.

Quote from the Contra Costa District Attorney’s Press Release:
District Attorney Diana Becton emphasized the importance of collaboration: “The effective investigative efforts of the Walnut Creek and San Ramon police departments were crucial in bringing this case forward. We are committed to holding this individual accountable. These brazen retail thefts demonstrate the necessity of reporting these crimes to law enforcement. Collaborative efforts are essential to ensuring the safety of our communities and businesses.”

Impact on Retail Safety
This conviction highlights how retail crime accountability protects both retailers and communities. Without ALTO’s advocacy, support and coordination, prosecutors indicated that critical charges may have been dismissed at the preliminary hearing. Instead, full accountability was achieved, securing restitution, protecting retail locations, and setting a deterrent precedent for future offenders. Join the alliance today and protect your locations and stores today.