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Silicon Valley Tech Exec Accused Of Lego Thefts

SAN JOSE (CBS/AP) - Authorities say a Silicon Valley software executive put fake bar codes on Lego sets at various Target stores, bought the toys at a steep discount, then sold them online for thousands of dollars.

Forty-seven-year-old Thomas Langenbach appeared in court Tuesday on four felony counts of burglary that could net him up to five years in prison if convicted. He didn't enter a plea.

Authorities say Langenbach covered the original bar codes on Lego sets with his own bar-code stickers to get a cheaper price. They say he then sold the pilfered sets of colorful toy bricks on eBay.

Langenbach works for German software giant SAP. His LinkedIn profile lists him as a vice president in a Northern California division.

Attempts to reach Langenbach, who is free on bail, were unsuccessful.

(Copyright 2012 by CBS San Francisco. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)

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