Woodbury, Minnesota: Couple Accused of $1 Million Lululemon Theft
A couple from Connecticut, Jadion Richards and Akwele Lawes-Richards, is facing serious legal trouble after being accused of stealing nearly $1 million worth of products from Lululemon stores across the United States. Their alleged crime spree began in September and has shocked many as details continue to emerge.
Arrest and Charges
The couple was arrested on November 14 in Woodbury, Minnesota, where they were each charged with one felony count of organized retail theft. The court documents, which reveal more about their alleged activities, showed that they had engaged in a pattern of retail theft for some time. Reports indicate that just a day prior to their arrest, Richards and another unidentified man reportedly stole around $5,000 worth of merchandise from a Lululemon location in Roseville, Minnesota.
Findings During Police Search
Following their arrest, law enforcement officials executed a search warrant at the couple’s hotel room in Bloomington, Minnesota. Inside, they discovered suitcases containing products valued at $50,000, further substantiating the claims against them. With these findings and the stolen goods, it appears their operations were carefully planned and executed.
Details of the Theft Operations
The alleged thefts were not limited to Minnesota. Court documents disclose that Richards and Lawes-Richards are accused of stealing from Lululemon stores in their home state of Connecticut, as well as in New York, Colorado, and Utah. Their tactics involved strategic maneuvers; they would block store associates’ views while stealing items, and used distraction techniques to facilitate their crimes.
According to reports, Jadion typically began the thefts by purchasing a small item in the store. Once he was inside, he would signal to Akwele on the sales floor, where they would work together to remove security tags from hidden merchandise. The couple often teamed up with an unnamed woman who helped them select and conceal items, creating a more complicated operation.
A Risky Game of Avoiding Detection
In many instances, when security alarms went off, Jadion would turn around and hand over the bag he was carrying. Meanwhile, the other woman would continue to exit the store with stolen items. This system seemingly allowed them to avoid getting caught while consistently amassing hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of merchandise.
Lululemon’s Response
In response to these incidents, Lululemon’s vice president of asset protection, Tristen Shields, stated that the company is committed to maintaining a “safe and secure environment” for both staff and customers. Lululemon is working closely with law enforcement to address and combat retail crime, enhancing its technologies and team training to help prevent future thefts.
Bail and Court Dates
As of now, Jadion Richards has been released on $100,000 bail as of November 21, while Akwele Lawes-Richards was released earlier on $30,000 bail on November 19. Both individuals are scheduled to appear in Ramsey County Court on December 16. It remains unknown whether they have secured legal representation to comment on the allegations against them.
Conclusion
The case has raised concerns about retail theft and how it can impact businesses across the nation. As more details unfold, the focus on organized retail theft continues to grow, prompting companies and law enforcement to find effective solutions to prevent these types of crimes in the future.
