BAM Franchising and Bryan Mansell Legal Dispute Over LEGO Collection
BAM Franchising, the corporate entity behind Bricks & Minifigs, is currently engaged in a multi-state legal battle with Bryan Mansell and YouTuber Ben Schneider over the possession and valuation of a large Star Wars LEGO collection.
What is the dispute between BAM Franchising and the Mansell family?
The conflict began when Bryan Mansell contracted a Bricks & Minifigs franchise in Oregon, operated by Chrystal Law-Gorman and Ben Gorman, to sell a large collection of unopened Star Wars LEGO sets. According to reports from Coffeezilla and other independent investigators, the Gormans later attempted to leave their franchise, leading to a takeover of the store by BAM Franchising associates Brandon Best and Josh Johnson.
Mansell alleges that the new owners refused to return remaining sets or pay the balance owed from sales. While BAM Franchising initially claimed only $2k to $5k worth of LEGO sets remained on the premises, Coffeezilla reported that internal BAM spreadsheets suggested a significantly higher volume of inventory existed. Conversely, YouTuber Ben Schneider (known as “Reckless Ben”) initially amplified the claim that the amount owed was approximately $200k, a figure later disputed as inaccurate by multiple parties.
Why did BAM Franchising file a RICO lawsuit?
BAM Franchising filed a lawsuit against Bryan Mansell and Ben Schneider alleging a RICO (Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act) conspiracy. The company claims the defendants engaged in a coordinated effort to damage the business. This legal action contrasts with a recent press release from BAM’s crisis communications team, which stated the company is “determined to find an amicable resolution with the Mansell family.”
The RICO filing is a high-stakes legal maneuver typically reserved for organized crime, and its use in a consignment dispute has drawn scrutiny from legal analysts. The company is seeking over $300k in damages.
How did the “Reckless Ben” controversy affect the legal proceedings?
Ben Schneider used his platform to attempt to recover the funds for Mansell through a series of public stunts. These actions led to a temporary restraining order (TRO) issued by Utah Judge Tony Graf Jr., which restricted Schneider’s movements and speech. Legal analysts, including the channel Legal Eagle, noted that the original TRO constituted “prior restraint,” a violation of the First Amendment.
The legal landscape shifted recently when Schneider’s legal team removed the case from local Utah courts to federal court on diversity grounds. This move is strategic because the parties reside in different states and the amount in controversy exceeds $75k. A joint stipulation was filed to narrow the terms of the TRO while both parties agreed to enter mediation.
Comparison of Inventory Claims
| Source/Party | Claimed Value/Amount | Context |
|---|---|---|
| BAM Franchising (Initial) | $2k – $5k | Value of sets remaining at the Salem store. |
| Ben Schneider | ~$200k | Amount allegedly owed to Mansell. |
| BAM Franchising (Lawsuit) | $300k+ | Damages sought from Schneider and Mansell. |
| Coffeezilla Investigation | Variable | Found evidence of internal spreadsheets contradicting BAM’s low estimates. |
What happens next in the BAM Franchising case?
The case currently sits in federal court, though the parties have agreed to mediation to seek a settlement. BAM Franchising has publicly offered to return any Star Wars LEGO items remaining from the Salem store and to make the Mansell family “whole” for unaccounted funds. However, the resolution depends on whether the parties can reconcile the discrepancy between the RICO allegations and the stated desire for an “amicable resolution.”
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