A Connecticut couple stole almost $1 million value of Lululemon merchandise throughout a two-month, cross-country theft spree, cops mentioned.
Jadion Richards, 44, and Akwele Lawes-Richards, 45, had been busted on Nov. 14 for swiping the swanky health put on from outlets in Minnesota, Utah, Colorado, New York and Connecticut since September, in line with a prison criticism obtained by a number of shops.
The alleged theft-spree got here to an finish when Lululemon investigators seen the excessive theft loss after the pair set off a safety alarm whereas leaving a retailer in Woodbury, Minnesota.
Richards accused retailer staff of racially profiling him, in line with the criticism, however the firm investigator alleged the couple had stolen not less than 45 gadgets valued at $5,000 from a number of completely different areas the day earlier than.
Officers arrested the couple and located a number of credit score and debit playing cards, in addition to a room key to a Marriott lodge room — the place they found 12 suitcases, three of which had been full of Lululemon merchandise value roughly $50,000, in line with the criticism.
The corporate investigator estimated the couple had stolen as much as $1 million in product, in line with the criticism, which didn’t elaborate on how he arrived at that determine.
Most merchandise on the retail big can value patrons anyplace from greater than $50 for clothes, with sweatshirts costing upwards of $130.
“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,” Lululemon’s vp of asset manufacturing advised NBC Information.
“We remain dedicated to continuing these efforts to address and prevent this industry-wide issue.”
The alleged thieves used varied strategies to pilfer merchandise, together with distracting retailer staff whereas the opposite particular person hid the health attire beneath their garments and jackets, the criticism mentioned.
The couple, who’re Danbury residents, have additionally been accused of eight thefts in Colorado in October and 7 thefts in Utah earlier this month, USA Right now reported.
Police charged the duo every with organized retail theft.
They had been booked at Ramsey County Jail in Minnesota upon their arrests, however every made bail — Lawes-Richards on Tuesday and Richards on Thursday, NBC reported.
They’re due again in courtroom on Dec. 16.
