Man Charged After Alleged Barcode Scheme Steals Nearly $1,500 in Lego Sets from Dakota County Targets
Published: March 17th, 2026 |
EAGAN/APPLE VALLEY: A man has been charged after allegedly using a barcode-switching scheme to steal nearly $1,500 worth of Lego sets from two Target stores in Dakota County.
According to a criminal complaint, Travis John Petschl (DOB: 03/17/1981) carried out the thefts on January 6 and January 8, 2026, at Target locations in Eagan and Apple Valley.
On January 6, Petschl allegedly entered the Eagan store and selected four Lego sets valued at $817.96. Investigators say he switched the barcodes on the items with those from significantly cheaper products before heading to self-checkout, where he scanned the lower-priced barcodes, paid, and left with the merchandise.
Two days later, on January 8, Petschl is accused of repeating the scheme at the Apple Valley Target. In that incident, he allegedly took four Lego sets worth $669.46, altered the barcodes, and again paid a reduced price at self-checkout before leaving the store.
Authorities allege the combined value of the stolen merchandise totals $1,487.
Petschl is charged with theft (aggregating) over $1,000 and up to $5,000, under Minnesota Statutes 609.52.2(a)(1) and 609.52.3(3)(a).