Connecticut Couple Accused in $1 Million Lululemon Athleisure Heist Saga
Imagine a modern-day Bonnie and Clyde saga focused not on bank heists but on high-end athleisure. Jadion Richards and Akwele Lawes-Richards, a couple from Connecticut, find themselves at the center of a major retail theft scandal involving Lululemon stores across the United States.
This duo allegedly orchestrated a series of thefts amounting to $1 million in stolen merchandise. Their latest arrest occurred in Woodbury, Minnesota, where they were charged with organized retail theft. Court documents reveal this wasn’t an isolated incident; the couple has a history of similar thefts.
Jadion and an unnamed accomplice were caught in the act, having stolen $5,000 in goods from a Lululemon store in Roseville, Minnesota. A subsequent search of their hotel room uncovered $50,000 worth of merchandise stuffed into twelve suitcases.
The couple’s methods varied. Sometimes they worked together, employing tactics like distracting employees or blocking security cameras. In other instances, Richards would create a diversion by setting off store alarms, allowing Lawes-Richards to walk away with stolen goods.
Their alleged crime spree spanned several states, including Minnesota, New York, Colorado, and Utah, showcasing their wide-ranging operations. Despite previous engagements in theft, the two are now out on bail, with a court appearance scheduled for December.
Tristen Shields, the vice president of asset protection at Lululemon, expressed the company’s commitment to combating retail crime through technology and training. The company has faced challenges with organized theft, notably firing employees for intervening during robberies—a move that sparked debate over their policies.
As Jadion Richards and Akwele Lawes-Richards await their day in court, their story serves as a fascinating look into the risks and bold moves involved in organized retail theft. Their case highlights the ongoing struggle retailers face to protect their assets while maintaining a safe environment for employees and customers alike.
Source: Entrepreneur
