Key Takeaways:
– Connecticut couple Jadion Richards and Akwele Lawes-Richards arrested in Minnesota for alleged organized retail theft.
– Accused of stealing approximately $1 million worth of goods from Lululemon stores across the US.
– Employed diversionary tactics and the fraudulent return of stolen items to different locations.
– A search revealed a cache of Lululemon merchandise worth over $50,000 in their hotel room.
Accused of Massive Retail Theft Scheme
In a major crackdown on retail theft, a Connecticut couple has found themselves at the center of a nationwide investigation. Jadion Richards, 44, and Akwele Lawes-Richards, 45, are currently facing charges linked to an alleged organized retail theft involving a staggering $1 million worth of merchandise from Lululemon, a popular athleisure-wear store.
The Unfolding Case
The couple, arrested earlier this month in Woodbury, Minnesota, came under suspicion in November when a Lululemon store in Roseville, Minnesota reported potential shoplifting. Following the alarm, Richards claimed accusations were due to racial profiling and that employees set the alarm off intentionally.
However, upon investigation, a responding officer identified links between Richards, Lawes-Richards, and a third unidentified individual involved in a massive theft reported earlier. According to court documents, the trio had stolen 45 items worth nearly $5,000 in one instance alone.
Exposing the Retail Crime Tactics
Investigators revealed the couple implemented specific organized retail crime tactics such as misdirection and blocking to commit large thefts. Typically, Richards would enter the store first, buy minimal items using his credit card, and then join Lawes-Richards in removing security tags from more expensive items and attaching them to cheaper purchases.
Subsequently, Lawes-Richards and another female would conceal these items and walk out of the store. While any triggered alarms were met by Richards showing his bag of purchased items as a distraction, the women would leave the store without interruption.
National Impact of the Theft
This alleged systematic theft operation spans multiple states, from Minnesota to Colorado, New York, Connecticut, and Utah. The total loss to Lululemon due to the couple’s activities is estimated to be around $1 million, causing “hundreds of thousands of dollars in loss” across different locations. Furthermore, they have been accused of fraudulently returning stolen items to various Lululemon stores, exacerbating the losses.
The Trail of Evidence
Following the arrest, law enforcement discovered a wallet concealed in Richards’ possession containing several credit and debit cards. Additionally, a search at Richards’ hotel room led to the discovery of 12 suitcases filled with Lululemon clothing still bearing tags.
By securing a search warrant, officers were able to apprehend these suitcases, which held merchandise valued over $50,000. This evidence further reinforced accusations against the couple and their extensive illicit operations.
Conclusion and Upcoming Developments
Post arrest, Richards and Lawes-Richards were detained at Ramsey County Jail. Richards was subsequently released after posting $100,000 bail, and Lawes-Richards posted $30,000 bail. The duo is expected to reappear in court on December 16.
Meanwhile, Lululemon reiterated their commitment to creating safe and secure environments for their customers and acknowledged the imperative collaboration with law enforcement in combatting retail crime. The case proceeds with a firm stand against retail fraud across the nation, showing an undeterred dedication to holding offenders accountable and protecting businesses and consumers.