Arrest made after months-long alleged retail theft spree
A Minnesota couple has been charged with orchestrating a nationwide retail theft operation, allegedly stealing nearly $1 million worth of Lululemon merchandise from stores across the United States.
Jadion Richards, 44, and Akwele Lawes-Richards, 45, were arrested on November 14 in Minneapolis-St. Paul. Both face charges of organized retail theft, according to a criminal complaint filed in Minnesota and reviewed by multiple media outlets.
Arrest follows confrontation at Minnesota store
On the day of their arrest, Richards and Lawes-Richards were stopped by employees at a Lululemon store in Roseville, Minnesota, after a security alarm went off as they exited. According to the complaint, Richards accused the employees of racial profiling during the confrontation.
Although the couple denied any wrongdoing and were allowed to leave, they were arrested later that day at a separate Lululemon store in Woodbury, Minnesota.
Accused of multi-state theft operation
The criminal complaint alleges that the couple carried out thefts at Lululemon locations across multiple states, including Minnesota, Utah, Colorado, New York, and Connecticut, beginning in September.
According to a Lululemon investigator, the couple used several methods to carry out the thefts. One approach involved distracting store employees while the other concealed products in their clothing. In another tactic, one person purchased inexpensive items while the other walked out with high-value merchandise still bearing security tags. When alarms sounded, one would stay behind to show a receipt, while the other left with the stolen goods.
Evidence found in hotel room
Following the couple’s arrest, police executed a search warrant on a hotel room Richards had booked at the JW Marriott in Bloomington, Minnesota. Inside the room, officers discovered 12 suitcases, three of which were filled with Lululemon products still bearing their original tags. The merchandise recovered from the hotel room was valued at over $50,000, the complaint stated.
Lululemon responds to the arrests
In a statement to NBC, Tristen Shields, Lululemon’s vice president of asset protection, praised the collaboration with law enforcement in addressing retail theft.
“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,” Shields said.
“We remain dedicated to continuing these efforts to address and prevent this industry-wide issue,” he added.
Potential consequences for the accused
The total value of the stolen merchandise allegedly taken by the couple is estimated to approach $1 million. If convicted, Richards and Lawes-Richards could face up to 15 years in prison, a fine of $35,000, or both.
This case highlights the growing issue of organized retail crime, which has impacted businesses across the country, prompting heightened security measures and increased collaboration between retailers and law enforcement.