The ongoing Bricks & Minifigs (BAM) controversy involves a dispute over a collection of Star Wars Lego sets valued at over $200,000. Following claims that the collection was illegally retained after a change in franchise ownership in Keizer, Oregon, YouTuber Reckless Ben (Benjamin Schneider) initiated an investigation, leading to a legal battle, police involvement, and a lawsuit filed by BAM Franchising against Schneider.
How did the Lego consignment dispute begin?
In 2023, Ed Mansell, who had been collecting Star Wars Lego sets since the early 1990s, consigned his collection to a Bricks & Minifigs store in Keizer, Oregon. According to Wikipedia, the collection was promoted on social media as one of the largest private Star Wars Lego collections in the region, with an estimated value of over $200,000. The agreement was active until late 2024, when BAM Franchising ended its contract with the previous owner, Chrystal Law-Gorman, and ownership transferred to Brandon Best and Joshua Johnson.
What is the position of BAM Franchising?
BAM Franchising denies that corporate leadership or the new Salem-area franchisees knowingly stole the collection. In a statement released on May 28, 2026, the company clarified that the dispute originated from an unauthorized local consignment arrangement between the Mansell family and the former franchisee. BAM asserts that it was not a party to that agreement and was unaware of it when it repossessed the store following the former owner’s alleged default on payments and royalties. The company further claims that the collection was not located in the store when it took possession of the property.
Why is there a lawsuit against Reckless Ben?
BAM Franchising has filed a lawsuit against YouTuber Reckless Ben and other parties in response to his viral investigation. According to reporting from Dexerto, the dispute expanded beyond the initial claims of a missing collection to include documentation of police encounters, arrests, and the execution of search warrants as Schneider pursued those connected to the case. The conflict has drawn widespread attention, with various online outlets and legal commentators analyzing the intersection of franchise law, consignment agreements, and creator-led investigations.
Bricks & Minifigs is a retail franchisor founded in 2009 that specializes in buying, selling, and trading Lego products. The company was acquired in 2018 by brothers Ammon and Matt McNeff, with Ammon McNeff serving as the current CEO.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current status of the Lego collection?
The situation remains an ongoing controversy. While BAM Franchising has publicly denied involvement in the alleged theft, the dispute over the whereabouts of the Star Wars collection continues to be the subject of both legal proceedings and public online discourse.
Who is Reckless Ben?
Reckless Ben is the professional name of Benjamin Schneider, a YouTuber known for creating investigative content. His videos regarding the Bricks & Minifigs franchise have garnered significant viral attention throughout May and June 2026.
Are there other parties involved in the legal dispute?
Yes. The controversy involves the original owner Ed Mansell, the former franchisee Chrystal Law-Gorman, the new franchisees Brandon Best and Joshua Johnson, and the American Fork, Utah, police department, among others, according to reports covering the developing situation.
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