A Connecticut couple has been arrested for allegedly stealing over $1 million in Lululemon products across the country in a three-month span. Jadion Richards, 44, and Akwele Lawes-Richards, 45, were arrested in Woodbury, Minnesota, and each charged with one felony count of organized retail theft.
According to court documents, the couple began their thefts in September, targeting Lululemon stores in Minnesota, Colorado, New York, Connecticut, and Utah. They are accused of using specific tactics to commit the thefts, including blocking and distracting store employees while concealing items and removing security tags.
The alarm sounded at a Lululemon store in Roseville, Minnesota, when the couple left the store on November 14, prompting employees to call the police. The couple initially denied shoplifting, with Richards claiming he was being racially profiled and accusing employees of setting off the alarm on purpose.
A responding officer discovered that a Lululemon employee had texted him about a large theft the previous day, which involved the same trio. The group is accused of stealing 45 items worth nearly $5,000 on November 13.
When arrested, officers recovered a wallet with different credit and debit cards that Richards had concealed in his buttocks, as well as a key card for a room at a JW Marriott hotel in Bloomington. Hotel staff checked three of 12 suitcases in his room, finding each contained Lululemon clothing with tags still attached, valued at over $50,000.
The total loss to Lululemon from the group is close to $1 million. The couple was being held at Ramsey County Jail before being released after posting bail. They are next scheduled to appear in court on December 16.
Lululemon’s vice president of asset protection praised the company’s collaboration with law enforcement and investments in technology, training, and investigative capabilities to combat retail crime. The company is committed to creating a safe and secure environment and continues to work to address and prevent retail crime.