A Connecticut couple stole nearly $1 million worth of Lululemon merchandise during a two-month nationwide heist, police said.
Jadion Richards, 44, and Akwele Lawes-Richards, 45, were busted on Nov. 14 for stealing the chic fitness clothes from stores in Minnesota, Utah, Colorado, New York and Connecticut since September, according to a criminal complaint filed by multiple outlets obtained. .
The alleged theft spree came to an end when Lululemon investigators noticed the high theft loss after the couple set off a security alarm while leaving a store in Woodbury, Minnesota.
Richards accused store employees of racially profiling him, the complaint said, but the company investigator alleged that the couple stole at least 45 items worth $5,000 from various locations the day before.
Agents arrested the couple and found several credit and debit cards, as well as a room key to a Marriott hotel room — where they discovered 12 suitcases, three of which were filled with approximately $50,000 worth of Lululemon products, according to the complaint.
The company investigator estimated that the couple stole up to $1 million worth of products, according to the complaint, but did not indicate how he arrived at that amount.
Most products at the retail giant can cost buyers anywhere from $50 on clothing, while sweatshirts cost upwards of $130.
“This outcome continues to highlight our continued partnership with law enforcement and our investments in cutting-edge technology, team training and investigative capabilities to combat retail crime and hold offenders accountable,” said Lululemon’s vice president of asset production. told NBC News.
“We remain committed to continuing these efforts to address and prevent this industry-wide problem.”
The alleged thieves used various methods to steal products, including distracting store employees while the other person hid the fitness gear under their clothes and jackets, the complaint said.
The couple, residents of Danbury, have also been charged with eight thefts in Colorado in October and seven thefts in Utah earlier this month. USA Today reports this.
Police accused the duo of organized shoplifting.
They were booked into the Ramsey County Jail in Minnesota after their arrest, but all posted bail — Lawes-Richards on Tuesday and Richards on Thursday, NBC reported.
They are due back in court on December 16.
