Pokemon card community helps police catch $115K thief in massive card heist

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The individual suspected of taking more than $100,000 worth of valuable Pokémon cards from a store in Massachusetts was apprehended, with significant assistance coming from the regional collectors’ network.

A daring break-in took place approximately at 2:30 a.m. on July 8, at the 1st Edition Collectibles in New Bedford. The security cameras captured an image of a masked burglar breaking down the store’s front entrance. Once inside, this individual snatched expensive Pokemon cards from display cases and hurriedly left the premises.

As reported by New Bedford Police, the items stolen were two antique Pokémon booster boxes, five rare Charizard cards, and a prized Blastoise. These items are particularly sought-after by collectors due to their value.

The suspected shoplifter, Richard Jovahn Nunes (age 24), was apprehended when he attempted to sell some of the pilfered goods at various collectibles stores. Authorities credit the local community for assisting in solving the case.

Pokemon community helps police catch man accused of stealing $115K in cards

Investigator Nicole Rodriguez, who had been tasked with the case, got a piece of information following an attempt to sell a Base Set Unlimited Green Wings Booster Box worth around $30,000 – one of the identical items that were stolen during the break-in.

On the very same day, a different store also approached the authorities, reporting yet another suspected transaction by the same person. The scarcity of the items immediately sparked concerns.

Law enforcement officers, in collaboration with the Taunton Police Department, apprehended Nunes. Subsequently, they carried out a search warrant at an apartment where Nunes was residing. At this location, they found a shoebox containing the remaining stolen Pokémon cards.

Currently, Nunes stands accused of six charges related to accepting stolen goods worth more than $1,200. In response, he has denied these allegations in New Bedford District Court. It’s important to note that at the time of his apprehension, there was an active felony warrant against him issued by Taunton District Court.

Filipe Andre, a partner at 1st Edition Collectibles, commended other card shop proprietors for their role in apprehending the individual under investigation.

We couldn’t have achieved this without your assistance and theirs. The community stood by our side, which led to increased visibility and ultimately allowed us to locate them and take appropriate action,” the store expressed on Facebook.

Acknowledgements were made to Collectible Tags and Dream Collectors, two stores who chose not to buy the allegedly stolen items offered by Nunes, opting instead to avoid falling for his attempts to sell them.

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Kudos went out to Collectible Tags and Dream Collectors, the two shops that refused Nunes’ attempts to peddle supposedly stolen merchandise, opting to stay clear of getting caught up in his scheme.

It’s thanks to the watchful eyes of both collectors and storekeepers that most of the stolen items have been successfully retrieved.

As a passionate gamer, I’ve got to admit, this isn’t my first encounter with a major Pokémon card caper. Back in 2022, a jaw-dropping collection valued at half a million dollars was swiped right from a collector’s home, a heist that still sends chills down the spine of any serious Pokémon card enthusiast like myself.

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2025-07-24 22:48