A legal dispute over the Mansell family’s rare $200,000 LEGO Star Wars collection has reached a partial resolution, bringing one of three connected cases to a close.
The collection became the centre of a highly publicised dispute involving Bricks & Minifigs Franchising, the Mansell family and online investigator Reckless Ben. After the matter moved into Utah’s courts, the public controversy gave way to formal legal proceedings.
One legal dispute reaches a resolution
A temporary restraining order involving Ben and the Mansell family eventually expired. Ben later released the delayed third part of his investigation, although the “Mormon Mafia” angle that initially attracted online attention largely gave way to coverage of his efforts to present his case in Utah’s courts.
That part of the legal battle remains unresolved. Ben’s proceedings involving Bricks & Minifigs Franchising are ongoing, as is a separate lawsuit brought by Chrystal Law Gorman, who previously co-owned the Bricks & Minifigs store in Keizer, Oregon, with her husband. The Mansell family’s collection disappeared from that store after being consigned to its former operator.
For readers following arcade news, the case also highlights the complications that can arise when valuable collector items are entrusted to a business. Similar concerns can matter when documenting ownership of an arcade machine collection or sourcing replacement arcade parts.
What the joint statement says
BAM Franchising, Ammon and Matt McNeff, Baker Salem, Josh Johnson, Brandon Best and the Mansell family issued a joint statement through the company’s website.
The statement says the parties reached a “comprehensive and amicable resolution” concerning the Mansell family’s LEGO Star Wars collection through voluntary mediation. It does not disclose how much money, if any, the family will receive under the agreement.
It also says the settlement is not an admission of liability, wrongdoing or unlawful conduct by BAM, the Mansells or any other released party. The statement identifies the collection as having originally been consigned to a former operator of the Bricks & Minifigs Salem/Keizer, Oregon store.
Other claims continue
In an email reported by The Salt Lake Tribune, Chrystal Law Gorman said her lawsuit against BAM Franchising is continuing and is not affected by the Mansell family’s settlement.
Ben also appears to remain involved in separate proceedings against BAM Franchising. The agreement therefore resolves the dispute between BAM Franchising and the Mansell family, rather than ending every legal matter connected with the collection.
For anyone buying or selling valuable gaming equipment, maintaining clear records of ownership, consignment and custody is essential. RETROCADE’s arcade machine buying guide offers a useful starting point for evaluating purchases and keeping the transaction details clear.
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