A Connecticut couple faces felony organized retail theft charges in Minnesota for their alleged role in a sophisticated shoplifting operation that investigators say stole approximately $1 million in merchandise from Lululemon stores nationwide.
Jadion Anthony Richards, 44, and Akwele Nickeisha Lawes-Richards, 45, of Danbury, Connecticut, were charged in Ramsey County District Court after police discovered more than $50,000 worth of Lululemon clothing in their Bloomington hotel room. The pair posted bail bonds of $100,000 and $30,000 respectively and are scheduled to appear in court December 16.
According to criminal complaints, the suspects employed an elaborate scheme targeting stores across multiple states, including Colorado, Utah, New York, and Connecticut. A Lululemon investigator had been tracking the couple before police confronted them November 14 at a Roseville store.
Prosecutors say the operation followed a systematic pattern: The group would spend two days stealing from stores in a targeted city, return to the East Coast to exchange stolen items without receipts for new merchandise, then use the return receipts to obtain credit card refunds before launching new theft operations.
The complaints detail a sophisticated theft method where Richards would initially purchase inexpensive items legitimately, then assist Lawes-Richards in removing security sensors from other merchandise. They allegedly manipulated store security systems by having Richards present his legitimate purchases when exit alarms activated, while accomplices walked out with concealed merchandise.
Minnesota authorities charged the couple under a new state law enacted last year specifically targeting organized retail theft. “This type of theft harms retailers in myriad ways, including lost economic activity, job loss, and threats to worker safety when crime goes unaddressed,” said State Senator Ron Latz, who helped author the legislation.
Lululemon’s vice president of asset protection, Tristen Shields, credited the arrests to “collaboration with law enforcement and our investments in advanced technology, team training and investigative capabilities to combat retail crime.”
The case follows August charges against two Minnesota women under the same law for allegedly targeting a Minneapolis Lululemon store.
