Salem Brick Trials
Ben holding lego

Salem Brick Trials

A public archive of documents and information surrounding the Bricks & Minifigs situation covered throughout Reckless Ben’s investigative documentary series.

Background & Summary

In November 2023, collector Bryan Mansell consigned a large Star Wars LEGO collection — valued by his family at up to roughly $200,000 — to the Bricks & Minifigs resale store in Keizer, Oregon, which was then operated by franchisees Chrystal and Benjamin Gorman. The arrangement was intended to sell the collection on consignment through the store.

In November 2024, the franchisor, BAM Franchising, Inc. (Bricks & Minifigs corporate), terminated the Gormans' franchise agreement and took over the Keizer location amid claims of unpaid obligations. Mansell alleges his consigned collection was not returned when the store changed hands. Corporate has stated the consignment was an unauthorized private arrangement that violated franchise policy and that it possesses only a small fraction of the disputed items.

The dispute drew wider public attention after YouTuber Ben Schneider (Reckless Ben) documented it in a video series. The matter has since become the subject of civil litigation and an active investigation involving Keizer police and the Marion County District Attorney's office. This page collects publicly relevant documentation in one place so reviewers can access primary sources directly.

We and the entire community do not support or condone harassing, attacking, or threatening anyone — including your local Bricks & Minifigs store or their employees. This only does more harm than good.

Summarized Timeline

To view a more comprehensive timeline click here.

  1. November 2023

    Star Wars LEGO collection consigned

    Bryan Mansell consigns a large Star Wars LEGO collection — valued by his family at up to roughly $200,000 — to the Bricks & Minifigs store in Keizer, Oregon, then operated by franchisees Chrystal and Benjamin Gorman.

  2. November 2024

    Franchise terminated and store taken over

    BAM Franchising, Inc. (Bricks & Minifigs corporate) terminates the Gormans' franchise agreement and takes over the Keizer location amid claims of unpaid obligations.

  3. After takeover (late 2024)

    Collection not returned

    Mansell alleges his consigned collection was not returned when the store changed hands. Corporate maintains the consignment was unauthorized, prohibited by franchise policy, and that it holds only a small fraction of the disputed items.

  4. 2025

    Public attention and investigations

    YouTuber Ben Schneider (Reckless Ben) documents the dispute in a video series, drawing wider attention. The matter becomes the subject of civil litigation and an active investigation involving Keizer police and the Marion County District Attorney's office.

  5. 2026

    A document (from February 28, 2025) is made public where LEGO Responds

    "Bricks and Minifigs isn't affiliated with the LEGO Group in any ways, which means we aren't able to dictate their action nor have we any control over what they have or will do."

    Source