A Connecticut couple stole nearly $1 million worth of Lululemon merchandise during a two-month cross-country heist, police said.
Jadian Richards, 44, and Akwele Lawes-Richards, 45, were arrested on Nov. 14 for selling the luxurious fitness apparel from stores in Minnesota, Utah, Colorado, New York and Connecticut since September, according to a criminal complaint obtained by multiple outlets. ,
The string of alleged thefts ended when Lululemon investigators observed high theft losses after setting off a security alarm while leaving a store in Woodbury, Minnesota.
According to the complaint, Richards accused store employees of racially abusing her, but a company investigator alleged the couple had stolen at least 45 items worth $5,000 from several different locations the day before.
According to the complaint, officers arrested the couple and found several credit and debit cards, as well as keys to the Marriott hotel room — where they found 12 suitcases, three of which were filled with Lululemon products, valued at approximately $50,000. Was.
According to the complaint, a company investigator estimated that the pair had stolen up to $1 million in product, but did not explain how he arrived at that figure.
Most of the retail giant’s products can cost shoppers more than $50 for clothing, while sweatshirts can cost more than $130.
“This result underscores our ongoing collaboration with law enforcement and our investment in advanced technology, team training and investigative capabilities to combat retail crime and hold criminals accountable,” said Lululemon vice president of asset generation. told NBC News.
“We are dedicated to continuing these efforts to address and prevent this industry-wide problem.”
The complaint says the alleged thieves used various methods to steal the products, including distracting store employees while another man hid the fitness apparel under his clothes and jacket.
The couple, residents of Danbury, have also been charged with eight burglaries in Colorado in October and seven burglaries in Utah earlier this month. USA Today reported.
Police charged both of them with organized retail theft.
They were booked into Minnesota’s Ramsey County Jail upon their arrest, but each posted bail — Laws-Richards on Tuesday and Richards on Thursday, NBC reports.
He is due back in court on December 16.
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