Nationwide Lululemon Theft Ring Unraveled
written by a member of the WCB
Suspects
Jadion Anthony Richards, 44, and Akwele Nickeisha Lawes-Richards, 45, stand accused of orchestrating an elaborate, multi-state retail theft operation targeting Lululemon stores across the United States.
Crime Timeline
October 2024: Initial Theft Spree
Began with eight Lululemon store thefts along Colorado’s Front Range
Targeted stores in:
Denver
Aurora
Littleton
Westminster
Lone Tree
Nationwide Expansion
Moved quickly to New York and Connecticut
Continued to Utah, stealing approximately $21,000 in merchandise
Expanded operations to Minnesota
Theft Methodology
Investigators described the couple’s approach as a sophisticated organized retail crime strategy:
Blocking and distracting store associates
Systematic theft across multiple locations
Coordinated movement between states
Evidence and Arrest
Minnesota Arrest (November 14, 2024)
Captured at a Lululemon store
Found wearing stolen Lululemon clothing
Hotel room search revealed:
12 suitcases of merchandise
Approximately $50,000 in stolen goods
Price tags still attached
Financial Impact
Estimated $1 million in total losses
Affected stores in at least four states
Significant blow to Lululemon’s retail operations
Legal Proceedings
Charged with felony organized retail theft
Richards released on $100,000 bond
Lawes-Richards released on $30,000 bond
Scheduled for court appearance
Broader Context
Chris Howes, President of the Colorado Retail Council, emphasized the growing problem: “We are approaching one billion dollars in losses in Colorado annually, which is incredible.”
Potential Consequences
Reduced sales tax collection
Increased retail prices for consumers
Growing concern about organized retail crime