A couple from Texas, Alma Miriam Rivas-Lopez, 38, and Guillermo Hernandez-Gonzalez, 30, were arrested in Delaware County, Pennsylvania after being accused of stealing thousands of dollars worth of high-end athletic wear from various Lululemon stores across the United States. The couple, believed to be part of a larger retail theft ring, was taken into custody on Tuesday after being linked to thefts in Southern California, Washington, Delaware, and Pennsylvania.
The pair was caught after a private investigator for Lululemon alerted police to their vehicle at the Glen Mills Lululemon store in Concord Township, Pennsylvania. Police later discovered over $3,000 worth of stolen merchandise in their car. Some of the items had been tagged with tracker devices, leading investigators to the couple’s vehicle.
Rivas-Lopez and Hernandez-Gonzalez were arrested as they exited the store. They now face several felony charges, including organized retail theft. They are being held on $500,000 bail and have a court date scheduled for next month.
Local residents expressed frustration over the impact of such thefts on retail businesses. “It’s so sad because it affects everyone. Sad for the stores, they have to increase their prices and just not fair to everyone,” said Janice Ragan of Chester County.
Authorities have promised to pursue these retail theft cases aggressively, with Delaware County District Attorney pledging full prosecution of those involved.
