A former MGA Entertainment designer has been charged with stealing more than in collectible diecast model cars from the company's factory in , the announced Tuesday.
A former MGA Entertainment senior product designer faces felony charges after allegedly stealing more than $1 million in collectible diecast model cars from the company's Chatsworth factory.
A former MGA Entertainment designer has been charged with stealing more than in collectible diecast model cars from the company's factory in , the announced Tuesday.
Luis Tanahara, 55, of Simi Valley, faces two felony counts: grand theft and receiving stolen property with special allegations that the stolen property was valued at over $1 million. If convicted, he could face up to six years in state prison.
According to court documents, Tanahara worked as a senior product designer at MGA Entertainment. On February 14 at approximately 4:30 p.m., he allegedly stole CarTuned collectibles valued at about $500,000 from a shipping container at the Chatsworth factory and loaded the items into his personal vehicle.
Nearly a month later, on March 4, investigators seized more than $1 million in CarTuned collectibles from Tanahara's residence, the DA's Office said.
The CarTuned line is a product Tanahara himself helped create. In a 2024 statement introducing the brand, MGA called the product a "creative, collectible spin on classic diecast cars" and described Tanahara as "a known Hall of Fame diecast car designer and genuine collector."
The cars are not ordinary toys. They are prized by hobbyists and collectors, especially when sold in surprise "Master Packs" that can command premium prices on the secondary market.
"Diecast cars are not everyday toys or merchandise with a set retail value. They are prized collectibles with a potentially infinite value to a collector, representing a tremendous loss for the victim."
Those words came from Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman in a statement announcing the charges.
"If you steal collectible toy cars or any cargo from our ports, you will be fully prosecuted. My office will continue to fight for our local businesses and hold retail thieves accountable."
A criminal complaint was filed on April 7. Tanahara was arrested and pleaded not guilty during an arraignment on April 10. He was released on his own recognizance and ordered to stay away from MGA Entertainment.
A preliminary hearing is set for Wednesday at the Foltz Criminal Justice Center, where a judge will determine whether there is enough evidence to move the case forward to trial.
Tanahara's attorney, Jonathan D. Evans, issued a statement denying the allegations.
"Mr. Tanahara vigorously proclaims his innocence and is looking forward to the truth coming out in the court of law, not public opinion."
MGA Entertainment is best known for creating the Bratz doll line. The company has maintained its headquarters and manufacturing operations in Chatsworth for years and remains one of the San Fernando Valley's most recognizable toy and entertainment brands.
The alleged theft represents one of the most significant internal theft cases to emerge from a Valley-based manufacturing facility in recent months. The company has not commented publicly beyond its 2024 product launch materials.
The case will now move through the preliminary hearing process before prosecutors and defense attorneys determine whether it proceeds to trial.
This article was generated with AI assistance.