Conn. couple stole nearly $1M of Lululemon merch in nation-wide theft scheme: cops
By Published Nov. 23, 2024, 10:55 p.m. ET
A Connecticut couple stole nearly $1 million worth of Lululemon merchandise during a two-month, cross-country theft spree, cops said.
Jadion Richards, 44, and Akwele Lawes-Richards, 45, were busted on Nov. 14 for swiping the swanky fitness wear from shops in Minnesota, Utah, Colorado, New York and Connecticut since September, according to a criminal complaint obtained by multiple outlets.
The alleged theft-spree came to an end when Lululemon investigators noticed the high theft loss after the pair set off a security alarm while leaving a store in Woodbury, Minnesota.
Akwele Lawes-Richards, 45, and Jadion Richards, 44, were each charged with organized retail theft. 4
Akwele Lawes-Richards, 45, and Jadion Richards, 44, were each charged with organized retail theft.
Richards accused store employees of racially profiling him, according to the complaint, but the company investigator alleged the couple had stolen at least 45 items valued at $5,000 from several different locations the day before.
Officers arrested the couple and found several credit and debit cards, as well as a room key to a Marriott hotel room — where they discovered 12 suitcases, three of which were filled with Lululemon products worth approximately $50,000, according to the complaint.
The company investigator estimated the couple had stolen up to $1 million in product, according to the complaint, which didn’t elaborate on how he arrived at that figure.
The company investigator estimated the couple had stolen up to $1 million in product.
Most products at the retail giant can cost buyers anywhere from more than $50 for clothing, with sweatshirts costing upwards of $130.
“This outcome continues to underscore our ongoing collaboration with law enforcement and our investments in advanced technology, team training and investigative capabilities to combat retail crime and hold offenders accountable,” Lululemon’s vice president of asset production told NBC News.
“We remain dedicated to continuing these efforts to address and prevent this industry-wide issue.”
The alleged thieves used various methods to pilfer products, including distracting store employees while the other person concealed the fitness apparel under their clothes and jackets, the complaint said.
Police discovered 12 suitcases, three of which were filled with Lululemon merchandise worth approximately $50,000.
The couple, who are Danbury residents, have also been accused of eight thefts in Colorado in October and seven thefts in Utah earlier this month, USA Today reported.
Police charged the duo each with organized retail theft.
They were booked at Ramsey County Jail in Minnesota upon their arrests, but each made bail — Lawes-Richards on Tuesday and Richards on Thursday, NBC reported.
They are due back in court on Dec. 16.
