2 Men Cut Through Drywall In $150K Pokémon Merch Heist: Police

FOREST LAKE, MN — Two 40-year-old men have been charged in a 2022 Forest Lake heist involving nearly $150,000 of Pokémon card packs and Pokémon merchandise.

Matthew Cuypers, of Duluth, and Dustin Wittern, of Forest Lake face one count each of third-degree burglary. If convicted, they face up to five years in prison and a $10,000 fine.

"We are FINALLY able to publicly announce who the thieves were that broke into our store," Punch Out Gaming said on its Facebook page.

"Thank you to everyone who helped us out with this case. We appreciate those who gave us information and leads on who they are. And a BIG thank you to the community for standing behind us during those tough times!"

The owners said their insurance company paid them for the "cost" of the stolen product.

On Feb. 10, 2022, the owners of Punch Out Gaming reported that before they arrived that morning, someone forced entry into their store and stole cash and merchandise.

Investigators determined the suspects forced their way into a unit next door and then cut their way through the drywall into the bathroom and storeroom of Punch Out Gaming, according to the criminal complaint.

Officers found a utility knife with drywall dust on it, authorities said.

Surveillance footage also showed one of the suspects entering the store room and realizing there was a camera, according to police. The suspect tried to cover the camera with tape, according to the criminal complaint.

Pokémon merchandise, including more than 2,824 Pokémon card packs, were stolen in the heist, authorities said. The total cost of the stolen inventory was $147,278, according to the criminal complaint.