A couple from Connecticut allegedly embarked on a two-month, cross-country theft spree, stealing nearly $1 million worth of merchandise from Lululemon, according to law enforcement authorities.
Jadion Richards, 44, and Akwele Lawes-Richards, 45, got caught on November 14 for stealing high-end fitness apparel from stores in Minnesota, Utah, Colorado, New York, and Connecticut. The information comes from a criminal complaint acquired by numerous media outlets.
The alleged theft-spree was finally halted when Lululemon investigators became aware of the significant loss due to theft. This realization occurred when the pair triggered a security alarm as they were exiting a store in Woodbury, Minnesota.
According to the complaint, Richards claimed that store employees racially profiled him. However, the company investigator stated that the couple had stolen at least 45 items worth $5,000 from various locations the previous day.
The couple was apprehended by officers, who then discovered a number of credit and debit cards in their possession. Additionally, they found a room key to a Marriott hotel room. Upon searching the room, they uncovered 12 suitcases, three of which were filled with Lululemon products totaling an estimated value of $50,000, as stated in the complaint.
According to the complaint, the company investigator has estimated that the couple had stolen up to $1 million in product. However, the complaint did not provide any details on how he arrived at that figure.
“We are committed to persisting in these endeavors to tackle and prevent this widespread problem within the industry.”
According to the complaint, the individuals accused of theft employed a range of tactics to steal merchandise. One method involved creating distractions to divert the attention of store employees while the other person covertly hid fitness apparel under their clothing and jackets.
According to USA Today, the couple, who reside in Danbury, have been accused of committing eight thefts in Colorado in October and seven thefts in Utah earlier this month.
Both individuals were charged by the police for organized retail theft.
After their arrests, Lawes-Richards and Richards were taken to Ramsey County Jail in Minnesota. However, both of them were able to post bail. Lawes-Richards was released on Tuesday, while Richards was released on Thursday, according to NBC.
Their next court appearance is scheduled for December 16th.