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BREAKING NEWS: Police recover $2 million in sports cards stolen from Memory Lane, suspect arrested
More than $2 million worth of vintage baseball cards stolen from auction house Memory Lane Inc. have been recovered and a suspect in the case has been charged with theft.
Memory Lane confirmed Thursday that the cards have been recovered.
“We would like to express our sincere appreciation for your understanding, patience and support regarding the unfortunate theft of cards,” Memory Lane said in a statement released Thursday afternoon. “We wish to express our heartfelt gratitude to the Strongsville Police Department for their diligent efforts throughout the investigation, the successful retrieval of the cards and resulting arrest in this case.”
Memory Lane reported the cards missing on April 18 after they were delivered via FedEx to a Best Western Hotel in Strongsville, Ohio, where they were to be displayed at the Strongsville card show at the Strongsville Sports Collectors Convention.
According to Sports Collectors Daily, Strongsville police arrested Jacob Paxton, 27, of Brunswick, Ohio and charged him with felony theft.
The Memory Lane shipment contained cards that were scheduled to be auctioned this month, including 14 rare 1914 Cracker Jack cards, numerous T206 Tobacco cards and other rare vintage baseball cards valued at more than $2.1 million.
Sports Collectors Daily reported that Strongsville police raided a local home Thursday morning and found 52 of 54 cards. According to police, Paxton allegedly attempted to sell some of the cards to a local card shop.
Memory Lane initially refrained from confirming or commenting on the theft at the request of Strongsville Police.
“Throughout this process, the Strongsville Police requested confidentiality as to not impede their efforts or any progress during their investigation,” Memory Lane’s statement said. “This was crucial to maximize their efforts in retrieving the stolen cards as quickly as possible. Adhering to these instructions proved pivotal in ensuring a successful outcome in recovering the cards.”
Memory Lane plans to proceed with the sale of the cards to the highest bidders in the May auction.
