$1M of Lululemon goods reportedly stolen by couple, with large stash found in hotel room

[Trendiggity]

A couple from Connecticut seems to have taken the term “athleisure” a bit too literally, allegedly swiping nearly $1 million in Lululemon gear. Jadion Richards, 44, and Akwele Lawes-Richards, 45, are accused of orchestrating a sophisticated retail theft operation across several states, using distraction tactics to make off with high-end athletic wear. The pair was arrested on November 14 in Woodbury, Minnesota, and both face charges of felony organized retail theft.

 

The alleged crime spree began in September, targeting Lululemon stores in states like Minnesota, New York, Colorado, and Utah. According to court documents, the couple would reportedly use large jackets to obscure store employees’ view while they removed security sensors and concealed the pricey items. One instance saw them allegedly walk away with $5,000 worth of merchandise from a store in Roseville, Minnesota.

 

 

After their arrest, authorities searched a hotel room rented by the couple in Bloomington, Minnesota, and found about $50,000 worth of Lululemon merchandise packed in suitcases. Richards and Lawes-Richards were subsequently released on bail, with a court appearance set for December 16 in Ramsey County.

 

Investigators revealed that the pair had also employed a sneaky trick of removing security sensors and attaching them to smaller, purchased items, which allowed them to leave with other high-value products undetected. These stolen items were then fraudulently returned to other Lululemon stores, making the scale of the operation substantial. The thefts came to light after a major heist was reported at a Roseville Lululemon location, eventually leading authorities to track down the suspects and their stash.

 

 

Tristen Shields, Lululemon's vice president of asset protection, commented on the situation, emphasizing the company’s ongoing investments in advanced technology, training, and collaboration with law enforcement to curb such retail crimes and ensure accountability.

 

 

• https://nypost.com/2024/11/23/us-news/connecticut-couple-accused-of-stealing-nearly-1m-of-lululemon-merch-in-organized-theft-scheme/ 
• https://people.com/conn-couple-accused-of-stealing-1-million-from-lululemon-in-5-states-8750841 
• https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/crime/lululemon-stealing-jadion-richards-akwele-lawes-arrest-b2652982.html 
• https://www.cbsnews.com/news/jadion-richards-akwele-lawes-richards-couple-charged-lululemon-theft-scheme-1-million/ 

 

 

Opening image: Jonathan Weiss | Dreamstime.com