A Connecticut couple stole about $1 million worth of Lululemon merchandise in a two-month nationwide theft spree, police said.
According to a criminal complaint obtained by multiple media outlets, Jadion Richards, 44, and Akwele Laws Richards, 45, have been arrested since September in Minnesota, Utah, Colorado, New York and New York. He was arrested on November 14th for stealing fashionable fitness clothing from a store in Connecticut. .
The alleged theft came to an end after Lululemon investigators noticed a large amount stolen after the pair set off a burglar alarm as they left the store in Woodbury, Minnesota.
According to the complaint, Richards accused store employees of racial profiling, but company investigators say the couple stole at least 45 items valued at $5,000 from multiple locations the day before. did.
Officers arrested the couple and found several credit and debit cards, keys to a Marriott hotel room, and 12 suitcases, three of which contained about $50,000, according to the complaint. The bag contained Lululemon products valued at US dollars.
The complaint says company investigators estimate the couple stole up to $1 million worth of products, but does not elaborate on how they arrived at that number.
Most items at this retail giant cost more than $50 for clothing and $130 or more for sweatshirts.
“These results demonstrate our continued collaboration with law enforcement and our investments in advanced technology, team training and investigative capabilities to combat retail crime and hold criminals accountable,” said Lululemon's Vice President of Asset Production. We will continue to emphasize this.” he told NBC News.
“We remain committed to continuing our efforts to address and prevent this industry-wide issue.”
According to the complaint, the thieves used various methods to steal merchandise, including distracting store employees and hiding the fitness apparel under their clothes or jackets.
The couple, both Danbury residents, are also charged with eight thefts in Colorado in October and seven thefts in Utah earlier this month. USA Today reported.
Police charged both men with organized retail theft.
At the time of their arrest, they were booked into the Ramsey County Jail in Minnesota, but each posted bail — Rose Richards on Tuesday and Richards on Thursday, NBC reported.
They are scheduled to appear in court again on December 16th.
