Mitchell Guttenberg, co-owner of Bullpen Sports HQ in El Segundo, California, wasn’t about to get fooled twice.
When two familiar faces walked into his store on April 10, he called the police, according to KTLA 5, and in doing so he may have helped crack a major theft case.
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Officers apprehended the pair at the store and uncovered a staggering haul: hundreds of stolen ID cards, stolen passports, methamphetamine, a loaded handgun and over $500,000 worth of collectible sports cards and rare memorabilia.
It was a dramatic end to a series of actions that had quietly started weeks earlier. Here’s what happened.
How the events unfolded
Guttenberg first encountered the suspected criminals — a man and a woman — in late March when they visited Bullpen Sports HQ hoping to sell a large batch of sports cards.
“They were calm,” Guttenberg recalled to KTLA 5 in a story published April 23. “They said their father had passed away and he had been collecting for years.”
Trusting their story, Guttenberg says he bought the cards. It wasn’t until later that he learned the items were reported stolen. So, when the same pair returned to the store two weeks later, Guttenberg didn’t hesitate — he called the cops.
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According to police, when officers arrived, the male suspect tried to flee the store. Surveillance footage obtained by the local broadcaster captured the moment officers tackled him just outside the entrance. During the struggle, the man allegedly reached toward his waistband, where there was a fully loaded handgun. Officers subdued and arrested him without serious injuries.
Per KTLA 5, inside the suspects’ vehicle — a stolen car — officers discovered the previously mentioned haul of stolen goods and drugs.
The male suspect was arrested on charges including being a felon in possession of a firearm, possession of stolen property, drug charges, driving a stolen vehicle and resisting arrest, according to KTLA 5. The woman was arrested for possession of stolen property, possession of hard drugs with two or more prior convictions and possession of identity theft materials with a previous conviction.
How to avoid purchasing pinched goods
Guttenberg had no idea the cards he purchased were stolen at the time — and in many cases, it can be hard for buyers to tell. But there are steps you can take to protect yourself as a businessperson and collector.
- Shop at trusted stores: Most stores have policies in place to protect themselves from theft. While they aren’t always foolproof, it’s a first line of defense.
- Ask for proof of ownership: Request a receipt, bill of sale or serial numbers. Authentic collectors should have no problem providing documentation you can use to verify their wares are legit.
- Look for red flags: Suspiciously low prices, missing original packaging or inconsistent stories from the seller are signs that something might be wrong. Don’t risk your money on suspect purchases.
- Verify authenticity: For high-value items, it may be worth getting a second opinion from an expert before you buy. An appraiser or other industry expert can help confirm if memorabilia is legit.
- Search online: Use searchable databases or check special-interest online forums to see if similar items have been reported stolen. This can also help you spot price discrepancies.
- Trust your gut: If something feels off, it probably is. Walking away is better than getting tangled up in stolen goods unknowingly.
While it’s not always possible to spot a scam, being cautious can protect you — and your wallet — from becoming part of someone else’s crime story.
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This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.
