Jadion Richards, 44, and Akwele Lawes-Richards, 45, were arrested in Woodbury, Minnesota, on Nov. 14 in connection with an organized retail theft spree at Lululemon stores across the country. The couple, from Connecticut, are accused of stealing approximately $1 million worth of products from stores in states including Utah, Colorado, New York, and Connecticut. They were stopped after exiting a Lululemon store in Roseville, Minnesota, on Nov. 14 when the security alarm went off, but were allowed to leave after claiming they were racially profiled.
The couple allegedly used various tactics to steal merchandise, including distracting associates while stuffing products into their clothes, and strategically exiting stores with one person holding a cheap item they had purchased while the other carried stolen products with sensors. The pair were found with 12 suitcases in their hotel room filled with stolen Lululemon clothing worth over $50,000, as well as credit and debit cards and an access card to a Marriott hotel room.
They are accused of multiple theft incidents in Colorado and Utah. The couple is currently being held in the Ramsey County jail in Minnesota, with their next court appearance set for Dec. 16. Attorneys representing Richards and Lawes-Richards have not yet made a statement.
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