Pokémon Theft Suspect Arrested, Store Reopens

Richard Jovahn Nunes, 24, of New Bedford, Massachusetts, was arrested and charged with six counts of receiving stolen property after allegedly stealing over $100,000 in rare Pokémon cards and collectibles from 1st Edition Collectibles during a 30-second smash-and-grab on July 8. Nunes attempted to sell the stolen cards at shops in both New Hampshire and Massachusetts, and tips from store managers and buyers aided police in identifying and apprehending him. A search of his Dartmouth apartment recovered a shoebox of serialized and graded Pokémon cards matching the stolen items, including a Base Set Unlimited Green Wings Booster Box valued at $30,000 and several valuable Charizard and Blastoise cards. The arrest resulted from a collaborative effort among regional police departments and the local collector community. Not all stolen items have been recovered and the investigation is ongoing. The affected store has since reopened and is donating proceeds from special merchandise to charity and community causes.