The highly publicized dispute involving a $200,000 Star Wars Lego collection, formerly owned by the Mansell family and at the center of online creator Reckless Ben's investigation, has seen a significant development. Bricks & Minifigs Franchising (BAM Franchising) and the Mansell family have announced a comprehensive and amicable resolution to their private civil disagreement. This settlement marks a turning point after months of escalating legal action that began when the collection disappeared from a Bricks & Minifigs store in Oregon.
Initially drawing significant attention due to allegations of a "Mormon Mafia" connection, the conflict has since progressed through formal legal channels in Utah. Following the expiration of a temporary restraining order, Reckless Ben released further parts of his investigation, focusing more on his efforts to navigate the legal system. However, the core legal disputes are not entirely resolved. The lawsuit filed by Chrystal Law Gorman, who previously co-owned the Bricks & Minifigs store in Keizer, Oregon, against BAM Franchising remains active. Gorman stated in an email that her legal action is unaffected by the Mansell family's settlement. Similarly, Reckless Ben's ongoing lawsuit against BAM Franchising appears to continue independently of this recent agreement.
The joint statement attributed to BAM Franchising, its principals Ammon and Matt McNeff, Baker Salem, Josh Johnson, Brandon Best, and the Mansell family, emphasizes that the settlement is "not an admission of liability, wrongdoing or unlawful conduct by BAM, the Mansells or any other released party." The statement also clarifies that the Lego collection was initially consigned to a former operator of the Bricks & Minifigs Salem/Keizer Oregon store, highlighting the complex ownership and consignment issues at play. While the terms of the settlement, including any financial compensation to the Mansell family, have not been publicly disclosed, the agreement signifies a step toward concluding this chapter of the long-running Lego controversy.