Suspect Arrested in Connection with High-Value Pokémon Card Theft
NEW BEDFORD, MA – A New Bedford man has been arrested in connection with an ongoing investigation led by New Bedford Police detectives into the recent theft of collectible Pokémon cards.
On July 8th, officers responded to a breaking and entering at 1st Edition Collectibles, located on Purchase Street. The suspect had stolen numerous high-value Pokémon cards and collectible merchandise, with the total loss estimated to exceed $100,000.
On Monday, July 21st, Detective Nicole Rodriguez, who was assigned to the investigation, received information regarding a possible lead. The tip came after an individual attempted to sell a Base Set Unlimited Green Wings Booster Box, valued at $30,000 — an item that matched the description of merchandise stolen during the burglary.
Later that day, Det. Rodriguez was contacted by a location in Taunton, who reported a separate attempt by the same individual to sell additional Pokémon cards. Based on the rarity and value of the booster boxes involved, detectives determined that it was highly unlikely the same person would possess both without being connected to the original theft.
The individual, identified as RICHARD JOVAHN NUNES, 24, of 27 BLUEFIELD STREET, was taken into custody in a coordinated operation with the Taunton Police Department. At the time of arrest, NUNES had an active felony warrant out of Taunton District Court.
Following his arrest, additional investigation led detectives to an apartment in Dartmouth, where NUNES had reportedly been staying. Detectives searched the apartment and discovered a shoebox containing serialized and graded Pokémon cards matching those stolen from 1st Edition Collectibles. Items recovered include:
1999 Charizard 1st Edition (Grade 8.5) – Valued at $12,232
2006 EX Charizard #100 (Grades 9 – Beckett and PSA) – Valued at $10,600 each
2003 Skyridge Charizard (Grade 8.5) – Valued at $7,131
1999 Base 1st Edition Blastoise (Grade 7.5) – Valued at $2,000
1999 Charizard Holo Shadowless (Grade 9) – Valued at $5,535
NUNES was charged with six counts of receiving stolen property over $1,200.
“I appreciate the support of the Taunton Police Department in helping bring this case to a successful resolution,” said Chief Jason Thody. “I also want to thank Detective Nicole Rodriguez for her solid investigative work and persistence in following up on leads that ultimately led to an arrest and the recovery of stolen property.”
This case remains under active investigation.
If you have any information you would like to give to the police, you can do so anonymously by calling 508-99-CRIME or visiting our website and submitting a tip.