The Stolen Rocket Firing Boba Fett: The Dark Side of Collecting

The collecting world is great for making good friends but even with friends you have to watch your back, when they are alone with those rare items.
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[@jediknightjairinaiki560]

Some friends of mine, who own a collectibles store, bought a bunch of STAR WARS items from a guy who said he was selling them so his soon to be ex-wife couldn't get her hands on them. They resold some of these items in their shop. A short time later we were setting up at a local sci fi convention and the guy setting up next to us, whom we knew from previous cons, commented that he had a lot of the same stuff in his storage locker. It didn't take long to put two and two together. The guy called his wife, she checked out the storage locker and saw that stuff was missing. We immediately packed up everything that was his. The following week(s) the cops got involved, and the guy was busted when he tried to sell more stuff to my friends. The owner of the items got most of his belongings back.

[@redkittyproject]

I wonder how many people yelled and screamed at Carl in public for his actions, yet realised they had recently obtained items that matched those on the Obi Ranch list and decided to keep their mouth shut because it help with their own collection?

[@markkamphausen43]

It’s a sad story. I’ve had ‘friends’ come into my home and steal collectibles from me. Much like Steve I was too trusting.

[@christopherchance4860]

This has to be the most comprehensive and easy to follow timeline that has ever been made, thanks Junkman!

[@battroidattack]

As for Sansweet's rules for not leaving volunteers alone inside Rancho Obi-Wan, there should be a trained police officer dressed as an imperial officer/stormtrooper to watch over them!

[@bluehero-96]

Wouldn't it be counterproductive to wear a vision impairing helmet when monitoring employees?

[@WHATdaFUNK123]

More like boba fett

[@jamesclukey7488]

Wow ! Only 5% recovered ! I know I'd be devastated. I'm very careful who knows what I've collected over the years, and my home has a primo alarm system. This is surely the dark side of collecting, especially when so much of this hobby is very personal.

[@Saintbow]

I used to display my collectables when I had my first apartment 20 years ago. A few get togethers later and a lot of my stuff started to disappear. I had rare games, accessories to the action figures would vanish, 1st edition comics, even my own brothers would steal stuff. Now all my stuff in locked away in a wooden boxes sealed.

[@ThePopCulturePodcast]

Steve is such a sweet guy. It broke my heart when this all happened.

[@ashley_engle]

❤️

[@shawnrogers4076]

Agreed.

[@theflyingninja1]

For a sweet guy, he sure didn't have any qualms about seeing a family man go to jail.

[@shawnrogers4076]

@@theflyingninja1 He didn't go to jail, snookums. However, he certainly deserved to.

[@hughmungus6911]

@@shawnrogers4076 Well, I guess the judge disagrees. As shitty as what he did was he stole collectors items; it's not like he was stealing military tech or trade secrets.

[@nicholasdickens2801]

It is awful that Star Wars has more than its fair share of thieves, liars, scalpers and the like. Oh and not forgetting the Anti Repro Nazis. Star Wars collecting - “You’ll never find a more dangerous hive of scum and villainy. We must be cautious.”

[@joshuamurphy6593]

Normal people - pawn a playstation and go to prison for 2 years/ People with money - Steal $200,000 worth of memorabilia and go to rehab and get probation.....what a world.

[@ObsessedCollector]

True, but if the pawned Playstation was a repeated offense, the 2 years makes sense.

[@johnathandoe6916]

No that's not the way it goes a used playstation isn't valuable enough to be a felony

[@captwrecked]

As big aPOS as this guy is (and he is...) So are the people who went near his kids with threats. But anyways... Glad that it got returned to it's rightful owner. That Fett's practically a myth.

[@BoneGoddess]

The one dislike is the person that stole the figure

[@mickfrendo8212]

Very intriguing series. Well researched, written and edited. I had NO idea that Steve Sansweet himself was robbed so many times. That creep took advantage of Steve's approachability and trust in others.

[@ThatJunkman]

I know. If I knew him good enough to hang out at the ranch that’s all I need. That would be heaven

[@aryathehounddeathdealers82]

where have you been this is old news there is a video on here a couple years old where Steve tells the whole story, junkman didn't research shit

[@Ohnoitsbuggerednow]

I remember chatting to Steven when this happened. He really was gutted . Carl had really abused his trust, which is awful as Steven is a really lovely fella .. Very sad indeed

[@danroberts007]

MysterEon agreed 100%. I visited Rancho Obi Wan about 10 months before this all hit the news. He is one of the nicest guys I’ve had the pleasure to meet and it’s a real shame someone was comfortable taking advantage of him like that. Terrible!

[@mlcash9]

Star wars is a powerful powerful drug

[@harrycollins3248]

Don't blame Star Wars. Blame greedy people.

[@bluehero-96]

Drug me up, Scottie! No, wait. That's Star TREK.

[@Larry]

I'd have thought with such a small community, it would be easy to retrieve the stolen property. But something like this happened in the UK retro gaming community last year, not theft, just someone we thought was a friend turned out to be in control of hundreds of troll accounts that harassed a lot of people, especially females. and he was caught out, absolutely destroyed his position of someone that was quite well respected. Now he's banned from every event.

[@ajh90210]

who's that Larry??

[@Jedimastob1]

I always love to see Larry outside of the gaming community.

[@LurkingCrassZero]

Please don't say it was George? I'd be gutted :-(

[@wadefinch2664]

I was friends with Carl...was friends...the last time he stayed with Steve was for a Raiders of the Lost Ark party of some sort, where Carl and a friend played out Indi and Sallah lifting out the Ark from a box. He had Carl and another friend fly out there and they stayed the night "in" the museum, that's how much he trusted him.

[@GratuitousSets]

Phillip Wise is a true friend, an incredibly kind and generous man. I couldn't believe it when I learned that someone would do something like that to him.

[@jonnynonames8270]

Wow! I hadn't heard about this. Great video Junkman! Really makes you think about how to display, who to show it to, and how much insurance to have on your collection.

[@TheRealCaptainFreedom]

Me [kicks down door, pistol-whips somebody, points the revolver at the perp as he cocks the hammer]: So, uh, where’s my Boba Fett, tough guy?

[@FraDonaghyMusic]

I love these Junkman Special Victims Unit videos

[@badape3620]

It's sad that people would steal and bring this level of ugliness to that community. But harassing the family of the guy who committed this crime is disgusting

[@TheRealCaptainFreedom]

Back in the day this bum’s family would be dragged from their home in the dead of night and set on fire. Today they get off easy.

[@finlaylooney3346]

@@TheRealCaptainFreedom the family is not to be blamed for one mans actions

[@TheRealCaptainFreedom]

@@finlaylooney3346 How much you wanna bet that they are all dishonorable hillbilly trash like the Boba Fett thief?

[@Br0ccolini]

@@TheRealCaptainFreedom holy shit this guy really wants attention lol

[@TheRealCaptainFreedom]

@@Br0ccolini If I’m killing anybody, the last thing I want is attention, kemosabe.

[@Necron-ez2cc]

This story beats the Hell out of the one where my buddy Walter stole my Greedo back in 8th grade in 1980. He stole our buddy Joe's Baron Karza Micronaut too. But that's OK. We got even by poking a hole in his Stretch Armstrong doll so all the goo oozed out!

[@nabzy28]

Disgusting. Steve has been kind enough to share his collection with the world for years and then you get some scumbag with no moral compass, pretending to be a friend, in there to screw it all up for everyone. Glad he got caught and I hope they're able to acquire all the other missing items back.

[@ricktaylor4789]

This was a very intriguing story, as well as a sad one. I also think this was one of your best videos Junkman. I tip my hat to you! Job well done brother!! 👍

[@ThatJunkman]

thanks! Good took me all damn day to make it, and not counting last night writing it and researching :)

[@PozerAdultRacingTeam]

That's cold,you don't screw over folks like that.

[@backwoodsbully9841]

There are people all over like that. Money does ugly things to people!!

[@balenciimusic]

@@backwoodsbully9841 people love and worship money. They don’t want to hear a word about God because their god is money.

[@ashley_engle]

It’s scary to think that the people at CIS, CAS and AFA might grade a fake in effort to rip people off 😳 On a positive note, thank you for making this aware 💕

[@Renwoxing13]

The biggest sports memorabilia grading company in America was a scam in itself so it is not unlikely!!! It is still rampant in the industry today. So it is more then likely!

[@elijahblechman8633]

I've seen like a handful of rocket firing boba fett on various tv shows. So ether the people who have them sell them or there's a lot of fakes going around

[@ThatJunkman]

I believe there around 100 all together. And they get swapped around and if you see it on that Toy Hunter show it’s just him acting like he found it

[@jebstuart4004]

In life, real life, if you want to live happy, don t show much about what you own....

[@Thekutter317]

I never heard this story. Thanks for sharing it!

[@btrainbraydeboisseranc7570]

Another great video Junkman!👍 Youre on your way to bigger things bro mark my words

[@lovemussb1940]

20 years ago I used to go to a market every Saturday in my town and there was a guy who had a pitch there selling vintage toys and stuff. He had a lot of Star Wars figures,and one of them was a firing boba! I said to him they were worth a lot . He laughed at me and said they were only worth £150 . His one was £100 but I only had £20 on me .. my biggest regret was not going to get more money and buying it as I really wanted it . I wonder how much they are going for now ?

[@KenshoBeats]

It is an enormous show of trust from Steve which obviously develops over the years, how can one abuse that?

[@topbanana4013]

200k stolen=6+years in jail in my book. tragedy of injustice

[@JackieWohlenhaus]

A sad story is indeed

[@HexNottingham]

One could say good ol' Steven Sansweet was betrayed by one who was... sans sweet.

[@geraldlaboone9741]

Sad but interesting story. Thanks Junkman for another great video.

[@SnarkNSass]

Read the title 5 or 6 times n finally said "wut?!"... Clik... ✌🖖

[@Shocojones1212]

The court forcing Carl to move to California was cruel and unusual punishment:

[@bengrogan1992]

It's like when you leave a friend in your room you go to the bathroom and that friend opens your brand new Galvatron in the box and you come back you're like what the heck.

[@RickInMaryland]

I wouldn't even call any of the parties involved collectors. They seem to me to be hoarders. They have so much stuff that they don't even realize when some of it goes missing.

[@cyrusq5999]

Greed. That’s all it is, just greed. I see pics of people owning multiples of the same figure - one collector, had about a hundred Boba Fetts all lined up like toy soldiers. A lot of these collectors have mental health issues.

[@duckmann5000]

Really Great Video I love how in depth your getting with the content great job 🏆

[@nealwestmoreland8576]

Great video Junkman!!

[@pbailed8007]

Also another thing that I’ve learned in life trusting your friends with a grain of salt is better than getting screwed

[@CogSpartan]

Content so good I subbed. This is a sad story but fantastic timeline construction.

[@shawnrogers4076]

Great video, Junkman!

[@woncarlos7494]

I hate a god damn thief.

[@greycloudyday5980]

Very interesting

[@westtexas.2238]

Wow. I remember this story. Dude messed up big time. Imagine having free reign to see all that stuff and make friends with top tier collectors? I'd love that

[@the_weed_in_your_garden9319]

Too bad is got out of control. He definitely screwed up big time and betrayed a friend but others getting his kids involved and harassing them is messed up

[@treyjohnson82]

seems like the SW collectors seem like they can be most bloodthirsty sometimes

[@genesanford9412]

Man , what a wild story. Crazy. This shit happens. He was walkin around toy paradise ,& turned to the Dark Side . Man , all that power ... ya know wut they say about great power... Great story.

[@theCAPOSHOW]

Man such a cool story. Thank you again junkman! Makes me want to invest in a lockable case, with some heavy duty bolts

[@joshuaross4644]

Unfortunately this is more common than people think. I have been burnt so many times in the Australian Star Wars collectors world that I have no skin left This is why I don’t associate with anyone anymore

[@finlaylooney3346]

what so you don't have friends or anyone at all man why even collect star wars toys in the first place wait why I am even here but seriously if that's happening your so-called hobby is ruining your life.

[@mikesmith3866]

25 figures? That would be $1,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000!

[@mattcropsey8647]

Great Video! Really informative

[@jasonfranklin7662]

This was well done That Junkman! The Dark Side of Collecting should be a regular series. I would, however, suggest adding some cheesy Unsolved Mysteries style dramatic background music to accompany your narration if you do any future installments.

[@ThatJunkman]

It will be about one a month

[@gilontiveros6691]

I met Mr. Wise and visited his collection a week before ROGUE ONE premiered. He is an awesome man and great host. I t is a shame that this happened to him.

[@jjojo2004]

Star Wars Fans making death threats to people? Man, that’s #SAVAGE ! 🤘😎🤘

[@edfivedownunderplasticplanet]

It makes you wonder what makes a person like that tick!🤔 He was given the key into heaven & just like the original Judas, he betrayed his best friend! Great job in documenting this story JunkMan. Cheers👍🏻🍻

[@mopar_dude9227]

Really? You are going to compare someone that stole way overpriced toys with the man that betrayed Jesus? Wow, that says a lot about you.

[@rhettgenung1223]

The Junkman Rules The Galaxy!

[@MelStaub]

I caught someone I once considered a friend try to steal my sealed and signed SCC exclusive John Connor figure, funny how people will burn bridges just to make money.

[@michaelharrington75]

That's a bummer! John Connor has some good songs!

[@davidstaiti]

Wow... I heard about this but didn't know the details. So sad.

[@worldsgreatestchannelinthe4234]

My older cousins stole me blind; items that walked out of my collection include a Blue Snaggletooth and a Vinyl Cape Jawa. Granted, I would have probably lost most of the stuff eventually, but c'mon!!! JSH Sun 01.17.2021 7:26 PM.

[@miket2563]

I joined Rancho Obi Wan because of the theft and felt angry and sad that something could happen to Steve , ive been a member of the non profit for four years.....i know how Steve felt ...i had my own collection thieved and destroyed, it was worth thousands twenty years gone of collecting just like that .... ...in 2015 i decided being the only honest hobby i had and knew so much about to try and rebuild which is continuing today ,but i will tell you because it was my ex who thieved all my old collection and however much i had solicitors involved to get it back what effectively i spent my works money on when i was employed ,the law had failed me a great deal , the police didn't give a damn either ,thinking i had donated it ...donated a collection worth thousands who you trying to kid ??? , the only one who believed was my solicitor who could only say I'd not get any damages even in a civil court ... So i know first hand how Steve felt but as far as my own collecting went ,i had to start on modern era as vintage what i owned was out of my price range which is more sad cause even when they first came out my parents couldn't afford them ..... So now even though I'm collecting as much as i can with the money i have ,it will never be like my first collection.... I often speak of my theft to people on twitter cause its something that some collectors don't realise can happen cause i trusted someone and because they was abusive i walked out on them...... The destroying of my collection was a criminal act because it wasn't theirs in the first place and probably the biggest ever loss of my life , but i did make some slight peace by joining Rancho Obi Wan to support the museum and the fact ive Met Steve twice at celebration Europe events ..... But no one should have anything stolen they love so much .....

[@ashrafmourad2901]

This problem could be more prevalent than is generally acknowledged. Carl only got caught because he was trying to sell the rarest of all the vintage Star Wars holy grails. But there are plenty of less rare, yet still sought after vintage items on the market; does anyone really know the providence of these items?

[@jamesclukey7488]

As a collector I try to document the providence of my items, but until your comment I thought I might be alone in this practice. I mainly do it so when I'm gone my son will have some idea how much individual pieces are worth. I admit to a certain amount of pride in finding and documenting where the pieces came from. I think it adds to the fun of collecting.

[@Malik-1994]

As a star wars fan I would like to visit his collection.Its sad that happend to him but its nice that he got stuff back ,but theres a worst part that there is people acting the same as the thief cuz they prob now about the items being robbed and prob the got items from that man and are not doing anything to check if the items where from that collection

[@mikecuntala9675]

Great video Junkman

[@ianharvey4406]

Really good video of a sad story.

[@LurkingCrassZero]

Extremely valuable bits of plastic. It's kinda mad when you think about it.

[@Hrothmeir]

Now this is a Disney Star Wars movie I wouldn't mind seeing...

[@CrashHeadroom]

Not just Star Wars, it's anything ape think's is shiney. I used to be an avid game collector before things got to expensive and friends betrayed me. To this day im finding empty cases on shelves or models missing from storage. NEVER show off your collections outside of photos, not even to family -_-.

[@emperorpawpateen.9992]

I had a custom prototype rocket firing Boba Fett, wish it was an original. One of many items I lost in a fire.

[@dansoloskywalkerproduction4329]

I don't think I could ever Trust toy collectors anymore

[@drakonisful]

Glad i still have mine lost one of two rockets that came with it lol didn't know it was that much of a collectible lol

[@ThatJunkman]

Lol right

[@chrismatteson1312]

I’m not the best listener, you may have mentioned all this but when did this all happen? I’m positive I haven’t purchased any of the stolen items, I’m too poor for serious collectibles. Just curious. I feel sorry for everyone involved in this story. Even Carl. Addiction is a nasty monster, akin to gambling. “Just one more and I’ll be set.” It’s an emotion strong enough to make a person screw over people they care about. Not that he should get a pass on anything he’s done, but it is nice to hear that he’s getting some kind of help and support for his problem.

[@petebyrdie4799]

There should be a movie based on this story.

[@pbailed8007]

And I’ve never gotten anything back for me when it’s been stolen so consider yourself somewhat lucky that you get anything back.

[@EricVornoff]

thanks for the video also you got autofill'd in the title

[@tommybenefield1480]

This reminds me of a similar story, Junkman. Maybe we should talk and I'll let you in on a good story

[@SantaRosaStormtrooperCraig]

I have volunteered at Rancho Obi wan and that theft really hurt Stephen. I talked with him. And you could see how badly he felt betrayed. Junkman, have you made it out to Rancho, are you a member? If not you must see it. Crazy the stuff he had that's not in that museum, empty ketchup packets, empty water bottles, stuff you would just say is landfill, but it says Star Wars so he collects it. That stuff never miss the museum floor.

[@ThatJunkman]

love to see it, reached out to get an interview with him but they keep turning me down :(

[@SantaRosaStormtrooperCraig]

@@ThatJunkman shoot me an email [e-mail] I'm friends with him. Also can get you a tour when they open up. 😊

[@michaelblaine6494]

You’d think someone so familiar with Star Wars would know how shitty and villainous betrayal is

[@ccggenius]

I mean, from a certain point of view...

[@darkone8131]

How's that possible when the actual prototype itself was the last known to be with one of the guys that work for Kenner thought I seen in a video and supposedly it's worth for quarter of a million dollars

[@ThatJunkman]

What prototype? There is about 100 out there. You might be talking the painted toy fair prototype fett

[@darkone8131]

@@ThatJunkman that's what I'm guessing you could be I've only heard stories about it it's the one that wasn't released to the public

[@francissobotka8725]

Man I was so hurt when a so called friend said a gi Joe figure I had for 10years was his and my mom made me give it to him(it was my favorite Joe) Then MT cousin told her what the thief did she tried to get it back but I never saw it again. Off to search for a Steeler

[@GiaDDer18]

Its says rocking firing Boba Fett instead of rocket firing Boba Fett. Edit: There you go Junkie

[@bluehero-96]

In Mother Russia, rocket fires Boba Fett.

[@SnarkNSass]

Good job Bubba. 💘👍🌟

[@ObsessedCollector]

A thief is only remorseful when *caught*

[@jamesdalton7191]

What are you in for? Felony grand theft. What did you steal?......... Star Wars toys.......

[@nyx_jupiter-trash]

“He stole my action figure mama”

[@VogtTD]

Unlike what we usually see with these kind of situations, the thief came clean immediately and personally returned the stolen item. He made no excuses and showed genuine remorse. He's been to therapy and seems to be genuinely working on himself. I think that earns some level of respect and a second chance. The dude and his family certainly didn't deserve to be harassed and threatened.

[@SomeJustice19k]

Screw that guy. Thieves will always be thieves. They have a victim complex that they'll never get over, so they'll keep stealing because they're 'owed' it or deserve it in some way.

[@michaelharrington75]

Most people who are serious vintage Star Wars figure collectors don't have the ability to consider forgiveness.

[@Lost_n_Found_1]

*The Stolen, Rocket-Firing Boba Fett: The Dark Side of Collecting*

[@dreamlandnightmare]

No action figure show this week?

[@ThatJunkman]

Nope. See the Community area always for updates :)

[@ChrisCaldwellO66]

Fucking Carl! Can't believe he got off that easy. It's always the people closest to you to rob you.

[@ThatJunkman]

Not sure I call it that easy. 100,000s in find. The lost of all his friends and being well know as a thief and hated. :)

[@ChrisCaldwellO66]

@@ThatJunkman You're absolutely right. I re-thought it latter and realized his world got destroyed. I guess at first I was just thinking "Wow, only 12 months house arrest" but didn't factor in the damage it done to his status in the community, wallet, and especially his family. Although the way he went about it was pretty messed up, I've made mistakes too. Not to that level for sure, but I'm no saint either.

[@relaxationmeditation9529]

There was a small amount of rocket firing boba fetts that were accidentally sent out mail order and were never recovered. There were millions of them made but were not approved to sell because they seen it as a hazard to kids. I was 1 that was lucky enough to get one in the mail many years ago. They are out there. They don't want to admit that some were sent out because they didn't have approval.

[@ThatJunkman]

No. And let me guess you lost it and don’t have it anymore. Like all the other “I had one”

[@relaxationmeditation9529]

@@ThatJunkman no. Actually I still have it. I'll post a video soon. No joke man. I still have it.

[@michaelharrington75]

​@@relaxationmeditation9529No video yet?

[@AyshKing]

Grabbling intensifies

[@THENEVERDEADIV]

Hey Junkman, didnt that one that came in the cereal box mail in have a firing rocket as well?

[@ThatJunkman]

No boba come with cereal

[@THENEVERDEADIV]

@@ThatJunkman thank you for clearing that up for me.. I knew it was a lie.. Lol

[@regla9874]

How the mighty hath fallen..sad.

[@CoconutDaddy]

Wow who Knew..

[@leeo171]

Hey junkman' have you seen that video were this youtuber buys thousands of vintage figures and melts them down ? I was gutted! Not for the faint hearted.

[@ThatJunkman]

I don’t talk about that ;)

[@Ticonderous1]

Unfortunately money will make the most Honest person Dishonest ................