US couple arrested for stealing nearly $1 million worth of Lululemon apparel across multiple states

A couple in the US state of Connecticut faces charges for stealing nearly $1 million worth of

Lululemon

apparel over a two-month period across the country.

Jadion Richards

, 44, and Akwele Lawes-Richards, 45, allegedly stole from stores in multiple states, including Minnesota, Utah, Colorado, New York, and Connecticut.
Lululemon Athletica is a Canadian-American brand specializing in athletic apparel for workouts, athleisure, and travel.

The thefts occurred in Lululemon stores between September and November 2024, according to a New York Post report.
The suspected theft spree ended when Lululemon investigators noticed a significant loss after the pair triggered a security alarm while leaving a store in Woodbury, Minnesota.
The couple was arrested on November 14.

Upon their arrest, officers discovered credit cards, debit cards, and a Marriott hotel room key. Inside the hotel room, police found 12 suitcases, three of which contained approximately $50,000 worth of Lululemon products. While Richards claimed racial profiling by store employees, Lululemon investigators allege the couple stole at least 45 items valued at $5,000 from various stores the day before.
The complaint did not specify how the company investigator determined the estimated $1 million total value of stolen goods. The couple allegedly used various tactics to steal merchandise, including distracting employees while concealing clothing.

“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,” said Lululemon’s vice president of asset protection to NBC News. “We remain dedicated to continuing these efforts to address and prevent this industry-wide issue.”
In addition to the Minnesota incident, the couple is accused of eight thefts in Colorado in October and seven in Utah earlier in November. Richards and Lawes-Richards, both residents of Danbury, are charged with

organized retail theft

.