Couple Charged with Stealing $1 Million in Lululemon Merchandise After $50,000 Worth Discovered in Hotel Suitcase

A Connecticut couple has been arrested for allegedly stealing $1 million worth of Lululemon products over three months. Jadion Richards, 44, and Akwele Lawes-Richards, 45, were apprehended in Woodbury, Minnesota, after a theft incident on November 14, 2023, at a Lululemon store. Their case highlights a growing issue of organized retail crime in the U.S.

The couple’s alleged theft spree spanned from September to November 2023, targeting Lululemon stores in multiple states including Minnesota, Colorado, New York, Connecticut, and Utah. They reportedly used organized retail crime tactics, such as distraction and blocking store employees, to facilitate their thefts. Investigators noted that the couple is responsible for hundreds of thousands of dollars in losses to the company.

On November 14, alarm bells rang at a Lululemon store in Roseville, Minnesota, as Richards and Lawes-Richards exited with stolen merchandise. When police arrived, they found Richards had concealed credit and debit cards in his clothing. Following their arrest, officers searched their hotel room, uncovering three suitcases filled with Lululemon clothing valued at over $50,000, all still tagged.

According to court documents, the couple’s theft methods involved purchasing inexpensive items to create a distraction while they removed security tags from higher-value merchandise. This organized approach allowed them to steal significant quantities of clothing without immediate detection. The total estimated loss from their activities is close to $1 million, underscoring the severity of organized retail crime.

The ongoing investigation into Richards and Lawes-Richards continues, with their next court appearance scheduled for December 16, 2023. Lululemon has expressed its commitment to working with law enforcement to address retail crime and ensure a secure shopping environment for customers.