A Connecticut couple that previously accused a Lululemon store in Minnesota of racial profiling has been linked to an organized theft ring suspected of stealing nearly $1 million in merchandise.
Jadion Anthony Richards, 44, and Akwele Nickeisha Lawes-Richards, 45, allegedly devised a scheme to steal Lululemon apparel and return the items on the East Coast for store credit. The two planned on turning the stolen items into cash refunds, KSTP reported.
Their plan reportedly spanned several months across multiple states, including Minnesota, Colorado, Utah, Connecticut and New York.
Minnesota police began looking into the couple after a Lululemon crime investigator flagged suspicious activity at a Rosedale Center store, where the couple was reportedly seen stealing nearly $5,000 worth of merchandise.
The two were stopped after setting off an alarm, causing Richards to claim he was being racially profiled. After arguing with the employees and accusing them of falsely activating the alarm, they were allowed to leave.
However, on Nov. 14, Richards and Lawes-Richards were arrested at a Lululemon store in Woodbury, Minnesota. After officials searched their hotel room in Bloomington, they reportedly found 12 suitcases containing $50,000 worth of store items with tags still on them.
Investigators believe the couple is responsible for $500,000 in fraudulent returns and a total company loss of approximately $1 million.
Both individuals have been charged under the state's organized retail theft statute and face up to 15 years in prison if convicted. The two remain in custody, with bail set at $100,000 for Richards and $30,000 for Lawes-Richards. They are scheduled to appear in court on Nov. 20 and again on Dec. 16.
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