Central Ohio Crime Stoppers is requesting assistance in locating a felony theft suspect from several retail stores

In March 2025, the Lululemon Organized Retail Crime Investigation Team began investigating Janika Johnson for high value thefts at Lululemon stores found in Polaris Mall and Easton Town Center. Johnson used large black bags to conceal thousands of dollars in Lululemon merchandise, earning her the nickname "The Black Bag Bandit."

Investigators discovered that Johnson had several accomplices who aided her in these thefts. She was found to be selling the stolen merchandise on various social media platforms, including her personal Facebook account. To date, Johnson has committed 15 theft incidents at Lululemon, totaling $98,722.00.

In addition to Lululemon, Johnson has also targeted other retailers, including Bath & Body Works, Ulta Beauty, Carter’s, and Old Navy, with similarly high-dollar thefts. Her total estimated theft amount is believed to be nearly $250,000.00 over the past six months from local retailers. Ms. Johnson currently has warrants for her arrest.

Anyone with information about this crime is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 614-461-TIPS (8477) or go to our website at www.stopcrime.org and submit your tip. You may also submit a tip by downloading our free P3 Tips mobile app available on the iOS and Android platforms.

All tips to Crime Stoppers are anonymous. Crime Stoppers does not use Caller ID or record telephone conversations. A special coding system protects the identity of the caller. Crime Stoppers also takes calls from persons with information about any felony. Information leading to the arrest and/or indictment of a felony suspect could qualify the caller for a reward as determined by the Crime Stoppers Board of Directors. For more information on Central Ohio Crime Stoppers, visit our website at www.stopcrime.org.

Crime Stoppers is a non-profit 501(c) (3) organization. Reward money comes from private individuals, businesses, and foundations that see Crime Stoppers as an integral tool in the community’s fight against crime. Tax-deductible donations can be sent to Central Ohio Crime Stopper’s, Inc., and P.O. BOX 16038, COLUMBUS, OH 43216-6038.

Watch for the depiction of each “Crime of the Week” during newscasts on WCMH NBC 4, Sunday morning 7a.m., 9 a.m. and at 6 p.m., as well as Monday 11 a.m. Also watch for the depiction to be aired on WBNS 10TV, WSYX ABC 6, WTTE FOX 28, and featured in The Columbus Dispatch every Monday.