Connecticut Couple Steals Nearly $1 Million in Lululemon Merchandise Across Five States

A Connecticut couple has been accused of stealing nearly $1 million worth of Lululemon merchandise during a two-month theft spree spanning multiple states.

According to a criminal complaint, Jadion Richards, 44, and Akwele Lawes-Richards, 45, were arrested on November 14 after allegedly targeting Lululemon stores in Minnesota, Utah, Colorado, New York, and Connecticut since September.

The company investigator estimated the couple had stolen up to $1 million in product. AP

The duo’s alleged crime wave ended after a security alarm went off at a Woodbury, Minnesota store. Richards reportedly accused store employees of racial profiling, but Lululemon investigators had already flagged their activity. According to the complaint, the couple had stolen 45 items valued at $5,000 from various locations the previous day.

The couple posed in a photo posted on Facebook Oct. 21. Jay ICON/Facebook

Following their arrest, authorities found several credit and debit cards and a key to a Marriott hotel room. Inside the room, police discovered 12 suitcases, three of which contained Lululemon apparel valued at approximately $50,000. A company investigator estimated the total value of stolen merchandise to be up to $1 million, though the complaint did not specify how this figure was determined.

The alleged theft involved tactics such as one person distracting employees while the other concealed items under clothing or jackets. The couple is accused of eight thefts in Colorado in October and seven in Utah earlier in November, according to USA Today.

Police discovered 12 suitcases, three of which were filled with Lululemon merchandise worth approximately $50,000. Akwele Lawes/Facebook

Both individuals were charged with organized retail theft and booked into Ramsey County Jail in Minnesota. They were later released on bail—Lawes-Richards on November 21 and Richards on November 23.

Lululemon’s vice president of asset protection said in a statement to NBC News: “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. We remain dedicated to continuing these efforts to address and prevent this industry-wide issue.”

The couple, residents of Danbury, Connecticut, are scheduled to appear in court on December 16.