Connecticut Couple Charged in $1 Million Theft of Lululemon Goods

Lululemon Theft Scheme Uncovered #

A Connecticut couple, Jadion Anthony Richards and Akwele Nickeisha Lawes-Richards, were charged with orchestrating a retail theft operation that led to the theft of approximately $1 million in Lululemon merchandise. The couple’s crimes began in September and spanned across several states, including Minnesota, Connecticut, Colorado, New York, and Utah.

Their arrest occurred at a Lululemon store in Woodbury, Minnesota, shortly after stealing 45 items worth nearly $5,000 from another store in Roseville, Minnesota. A subsequent search of their hotel room in Bloomington uncovered $50,000 in merchandise, still tagged with prices.

According to the investigator, Richards would first purchase items from the stores. The couple would then transfer a security tag from another item to one Richards bought, allowing them to conceal stolen items under their clothing and leave the store without suspicion. When alarms triggered, Richards would show his bag, containing the tagged item, distracting store personnel.

The stolen items were taken to be exchanged without a receipt for new products slightly exceeding the stolen items’ value, prompting an official receipt issuance. Later, the couple would return everything for a refund.

This operation resulted in significant losses for Lululemon. Richards and Lawes-Richards face charges under a law targeting organized retail theft, with penalties up to 15 years in prison and a $35,000 fine. This marks the first prosecution under a new state law tackling organized retail crimes.