Summary (tl;dr)

YouTuber "Reckless Ben" was arrested twice by American Fork police in March, facing charges of stalking and trespassing, in connection with his investigation into a disputed $200,000 Star Wars LEGO collection allegedly withheld by a Bricks & Minifigs franchise. The incident, captured in viral videos, has drawn significant online criticism directed at the American Fork Police Department.

Essential Background

The controversy originated in late 2023 when Bryan Mansell and his father placed a substantial Star Wars LEGO collection, reportedly valued at approximately $200,000, on consignment with a Bricks & Minifigs franchise in Salem-Keizer, Oregon. According to Mansell, after a change in the franchise's ownership in November 2024, the new operators allegedly failed to return the unsold inventory or honor the original consignment agreement. Bricks & Minifigs corporate, however, disputes these claims, asserting that the collection was not taken by current ownership and that the consignment was an unauthorized agreement with the former franchise owner. YouTuber Benjamin Paul Schneider, known as "Reckless Ben," began publicly investigating the dispute, bringing it to widespread online attention.

The Full Story

In March, "Reckless Ben" traveled to Utah, intending to serve civil papers to Joshua Johnson, an American Fork resident and employee of Bricks & Minifigs, whom Schneider implicated in the ongoing LEGO dispute. Between March 8 and March 11, Johnson contacted the American Fork Police Department on four separate occasions, alleging escalating harassment. Consequently, on March 11, "Reckless Ben" was arrested twice by American Fork police and charged with misdemeanor offenses including stalking, targeted residential picketing, disorderly conduct, and criminal trespass, subsequently being booked into the Utah County Jail. Viral videos of these arrests have led to widespread online condemnation of the American Fork Police Department, with many accusing the department of corruption and bias in favor of Bricks & Minifigs. In response to the criticism, American Fork Police Chief Cameron Paul released a 26-minute video statement on May 29, defending his department's actions and providing a detailed account of the events. Bricks & Minifigs corporate has also initiated a civil lawsuit, accusing Schneider, Mansell, and others of engaging in a campaign of harassment and extortion. As of May 29, 2026, the American Fork Police Department stated there are no active warrants for Schneider in Utah, though an open case remains in the Fourth District Court.

Why It Matters

This trending scandal has garnered millions of online views, igniting a significant debate within the LEGO collecting community and the broader public regarding business ethics, consumer protection, and alleged law enforcement misconduct. The extensive coverage by a popular YouTuber has amplified the narrative, raising crucial questions about corporate accountability in franchise operations and the appropriate role of police in civil disputes. The public perception of potential police bias and alleged improper procedures by the American Fork Police Department has led to calls for further investigation and has caused concern regarding public trust in law enforcement. The ongoing legal proceedings, including the criminal charges against Schneider and the civil lawsuit filed by Bricks & Minifigs, underscore the complexities and potential pitfalls associated with consignment agreements and franchise business models.

Geographic Location

• Keizer, Marion County, Oregon, United States (location of the Bricks & Minifigs franchise where the LEGO collection was consigned)
• American Fork, Utah County, Utah, United States (location where "Reckless Ben" was arrested and where the American Fork Police Department is based)
• Utah County Jail, Utah County, Utah, United States (where "Reckless Ben" was booked)
• Fourth District Court, Utah, United States (where an open case exists regarding Schneider)