A popular Jamaican couple living in the United States, known for showcasing their extravagant lifestyle on social media, has been accused of stealing over $1 million worth of Lululemon merchandise in a multistate theft spree.
Lululemon, considered a luxury sportswear brand, designs, sells, and distributes athletic apparel, footwear, and accessories for yoga, running, training, and other activities.
Jadion “Jay Icon” Richards, 44, a prominent Jamaican dancehall promoter, and his wife, Akwele “Apple” Lawes-Richards, 45, were arrested on November 14 in Minneapolis-Saint Paul, Minnesota. The pair face charges of organized retail theft for allegedly targeting stores in Utah, Colorado, New York, and Connecticut.
The couple frequently share glimpses of their opulent lives on social media, where they are seen wearing luxury clothing, posing with high-end cars, aboard yachts, and enjoying exotic vacations. Even their children are often dressed in head-to-toe designer outfits.
Richards and Lawes-Richards were apprehended after security detected them leaving a Lululemon store in Minnesota with stolen goods. Richards reportedly accused store staff of racial profiling, leading to their initial release. However, the couple was arrested later that day in a Minneapolis suburb.
A search of their hotel room uncovered 12 suitcases, including three packed with Lululemon clothing still bearing tags, valued at over $50,000, according to the arrest complaint.
A Lululemon investigator claimed the couple targeted several store locations in Minnesota the day prior, stealing 45 items worth approximately $5,000. According to USA Today, they are also suspected of involvement in eight thefts in Colorado between October 29 and 30 and seven incidents in Utah on November 6 and 7.
Despite the evidence, the couple denied any involvement, insisting they had only been in Minnesota for a day to visit Lawes-Richards’ aunt. Officers, however, found multiple credit and debit cards, along with fraudulent receipts, in their possession.
Tristen Shields, the Lululemon vice president of asset protection, praised the collaborative efforts with law enforcement in tackling retail crime.
“This outcome continues to underscore our ongoing collaboration with law enforcement and our investments in advanced technology, team training, and investigative capabilities to combat retail crime and hold offenders accountable,” Shields said, as reported by NBC News.
This arrest is not the Jamaican couple’s first brush with the law. Two years ago, they were charged with shoplifting at a HomeGoods store in Connecticut. Police found fake driver’s licenses, fraudulent receipts, and a retail theft device during that incident.
Richards and Lawes-Richards were booked into Ramsey County Jail. Lawes-Richards was released on $30,000 bail on Tuesday, while Richards posted $100,000 bail on Thursday. Their next court date is set for December 16.
