YouTuber Reckless Ben has stated that he is now under a legal gag order and faces potential jail time if he continues to investigate the LEGO reseller, Bricks & Minifigs. In a video titled "My final message," Ben revealed he received digital papers that explicitly forbid him from posting or discussing the ongoing situation concerning Bricks & Minifigs, or risk immediate incarceration.
While Ben asserts he is not easily intimidated, he cited concerns for friends who could be implicated and the potential seizure of funds raised for his legal defense via GoFundMe as reasons for his compliance with the order. He claims the gag order was issued because his accusers allege he made bomb and death threats, and he states he was unable to present his side of the story to the courts.
The dispute centers around a consignment deal involving a large LEGO Star Wars collection, reportedly valued at approximately $200,000, belonging to the father of Bryan Mansell. Mansell had entered an agreement with a Bricks & Minifigs store, allowing the retailer to sell the collection on his behalf in exchange for a portion of the sales. The LEGOs remained the property of Mansell and his father.
According to reports, the Bricks & Minifigs corporate entity allegedly orchestrated a hostile takeover of the Oregon store where the collection was housed, ousting the original owner and installing new management. These new owners reportedly claimed no knowledge of the consignment agreement, despite video evidence to the contrary, and refused to honor it. They argued that franchisees were not permitted to enter such deals, though the former owner allegedly provided documentation showing the contrary.
Instead of returning the LEGOs to Mansell, the new owners, Joshua Johnson and Brandon Best, retained possession of the collection. When Mansell attempted to retrieve his property, he was allegedly threatened with extensive legal battles. This situation prompted Mansell to contact Reckless Ben, who subsequently spent months investigating the matter. Ben has alleged that Johnson and Best then used local law enforcement against him, leading to raids and traffic stops. Ben speculated that a shared affiliation with the same Mormon church between Best, Johnson, and local law enforcement might have influenced the police's inaction.
Unredacted body camera footage from Ben's encounters with the police was later leaked, sparking accusations of abuse of power and violations of his constitutional rights. These events culminated in a warrant for Ben's arrest on charges of stalking and harassment, reportedly leading him to flee to Mexico.
Following the widespread attention the situation garnered in early June, Bricks & Minifigs issued a public statement indicating a willingness to resolve the matter with Mansell. The company offered to return his collection and any other LEGO Star Wars sets in their possession, regardless of ownership. It remains unclear if Mansell will accept this offer.
Joshua Johnson and Brandon Best have since ceased their association with Bricks & Minifigs in the wake of public outcry.