A Connecticut couple, Jadion Richards and Akwele Lawes-Richards, has been arrested for allegedly stealing $1 million in Lululemon products over three months. The couple was apprehended in Woodbury, Minnesota, after a November 14 incident at a Lululemon store, where they were suspected of shoplifting.
- Connecticut couple arrested for retail theft
- Allegedly stole $1 million in Lululemon products
- Used organized retail crime tactics
- Arrested with stolen items in hotel suitcases
- Released on bail after arrest
- Lululemon emphasizes commitment to security
The couple’s alleged theft spree spanned from September to November, affecting Lululemon locations in Minnesota, Colorado, New York, Connecticut, and Utah. Investigators claim they employed organized retail crime tactics, such as distraction methods to facilitate large-scale thefts. For instance, they reportedly concealed stolen items under jackets while blocking staff views.
During their arrest, police found a wallet containing various credit and debit cards hidden on Richards. Furthermore, a search of their hotel room revealed three suitcases filled with Lululemon clothing, all with tags still attached, amounting to an estimated value exceeding $50,000. The couple is accused of returning stolen merchandise fraudulently at different locations, contributing to significant losses for the retailer.
Richards and Lawes-Richards were released on bail after their arrests, with court appearances scheduled for December 16. According to Lululemon’s vice president of asset protection, the company is committed to combating retail crime through collaboration with law enforcement and advanced security measures.
The total estimated loss to Lululemon from the couple’s activities is close to $1 million, highlighting the extensive impact of organized retail theft on businesses across the country.
