A Connecticut couple, Jadion Richards and Akwele Lawes-Richards, have been accused of stealing approximately $1 million worth of items from Lululemon stores across the country. The couple was arrested at a Lululemon store in Woodbury, Minnesota, and charged with organized retail theft on Nov. 14. They had previously visited another Lululemon location in Roseville, Minnesota, where they allegedly stole nearly $5,000 worth of items. According to the complaint, the couple, along with an organized crime group, have been involved in thefts from stores across the country since September, causing significant financial loss to the company.
The couple’s theft scheme involved a method where Richards would enter the store first, purchase small items, attach security sensors from other items onto the purchased items, and then conceal stolen items under their clothes and jackets. Lawes-Richards and another individual assisting them would walk out of the store with the stolen items, while Richards offered the purchased item containing the sensor if the alarm went off.
Following their arrest, a search of a hotel room rented by Richards revealed suitcases containing an estimated $50,000 worth of stolen Lululemon clothing. Both Richards and Lawes-Richards were booked into the Ramsey County Jail, with Lawes-Richards released on bail while Richards was released later. Their next court date is scheduled for Dec. 16. Attorneys for the couple have not commented on the case.
Photo credit
www.nbcnews.com
