Benjamin Gorman puts Bricks & Minifigs inventory mystery under spotlight amid viral Coffeezilla LEGO controversy (Image via Getty)
Benjamin Gorman says one missing document could become one of the most important pieces in the growing Bricks & Minifigs dispute. The former Salem, Oregon franchise owner claims Bricks & Minifigs (BAM) never provided a full inventory list after taking control of the store, despite allegedly promising one. His comments come as the case continues to draw attention online following investigations by YouTubers Reckless Ben and Coffeezilla.The dispute first gained attention through questions surrounding a Star Wars LEGO collection consigned by Bryan Mansell and his father. Coffeezilla later reviewed the case and suggested that the amount of LEGO still missing may be much lower than many people initially believed. At the same time, he said Mansell could still be owed significant money from sales that were allegedly not properly paid out. Now, Gorman and former co-owner Crystal Law say the focus is shifting toward what happened when BAM took over the Salem store and what inventory was actually inside at that time.
Benjamin Gorman says Bricks & Minifigs never delivered promised inventory
In a recent YouTube video, Benjamin Gorman thanked Coffeezilla for bringing more attention to what he called the “Salem Lego Trials.” He said the increased attention has helped their legal fundraising effort, which has raised more than $80,000.According to Gorman, BAM promised to provide a detailed inventory list on the night it assumed control of the store. He said that inventory was important because the franchise agreement would have allowed former owners to challenge the figures through an independent evaluator. Gorman also claimed BAM did not use an impartial corporate representative during the evaluation process. Instead, he alleged Brandon Best, who later operated the store alongside Joshua Johnson, took part in assessing store assets. Gorman argued that created a conflict of interest because the pair had allegedly already been told they could purchase the store.
Crystal Law challenges takeover claims in Salem LEGO dispute
During a four-hour podcast appearance, Crystal Law and Benjamin Gorman discussed their version of events surrounding the store takeover. They said Brandon Best arrived at the store on November 14, 2024, with a rented U-Haul truck and argued that later explanations about the vehicle raised additional questions.Law and Gorman also claimed they lost access to important records after BAM took control, including emails, insurance documents, tax records, and point-of-sale information. Law said some of Bryan Mansell’s items had been sold shortly before the takeover but had not yet been fully reconciled because she expected to update records and pay him during a future visit.The former owners also rejected BAM’s claim that they abandoned the business. Law said they signed no paperwork transferring ownership or ending the franchise agreement. She further claimed BAM never properly transferred the store lease before later citing lease issues as part of the reason for taking control.BAM has disputed many allegations. The company previously stated that Law and Gorman entered an unauthorized consignment agreement with Mansell and said company records showed more than $52,000 worth of sales from the collection during their ownership.
