Marlena Velez: TikTok Influencer Arrested for Allegedly Shoplifting from Target
2 min read
Marlena Velez, a 22-year-old TikTok influencer with over 360,000 followers, has been arrested in Cape Coral, Florida, for allegedly shoplifting from a Target store and displaying the stolen items in a video on her TikTok account. Velez was charged with petty theft for using fake barcodes at a self-checkout register to steal more than $500 worth of merchandise on October 30, 2024.
According to authorities, Marlena Velez entered the Target store, selected a variety of household goods and clothing, and manipulated the checkout process by scanning false barcodes to pay reduced prices. Store surveillance footage captured her actions, and loss prevention personnel alerted the police.
After reviewing the footage, the Cape Coral Police Department posted images of the suspect on their social media platforms, asking the public for help in identifying her. They received a tip via Instagram linking the suspect to Velez.
👉TikTok Influencer Arrested After Allegedly Showcasing Stolen Goods
— The Reporter (@thereportercom) November 25, 2024
Marlena Velez, a 22-year-old TikTok influencer with approximately 355,000 followers, has been arrested in Florida for allegedly shoplifting over $500 worth of merchandise from a Target store in Cape Coral.… pic.twitter.com/8PC9HpAQlE
Velez’s own social media activity became instrumental in her arrest. A TikTok video posted on the day of the theft featured her in the same tan outfit seen in the surveillance footage. In the video, she mentioned visiting Target and TJ Maxx, further incriminating herself.
“She essentially incriminated herself,” said Riley Carter, a Cape Coral Police Department spokesperson. “Social media gave us an unexpected lead, which expedited her identification and subsequent arrest.”
Marlena Velez was charged with petty theft, released on a $150 bail, and is scheduled to appear in court on December 10. The items she allegedly stole included 16 miscellaneous goods valued at $500.32.
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This is not Velez’s first brush with the law. In 2019, she faced grand theft auto charges after stealing a friend’s car and crashing it into a ditch. According to the victim, Velez borrowed the vehicle during class and later wrecked it near a Dunkin’ Donuts. The victim claimed Velez showed no remorse and never paid for the damages.
The incident has sparked widespread commentary online, with many criticizing Velez’s decision to document her alleged crimes on social media. The case also highlights the risks influencers face when oversharing their lives online, as well as the evolving role of social media in aiding law enforcement.
As Marlena Velez prepares for her court appearance, the incident serves as a cautionary tale about how digital footprints can lead to real-world consequences.
Shivam Kumar
Hi, I'm Shivam Kumar. I'm pursuing Journalism honors from the IP University. I love the skill of writing and looking forward to learn more of it. Also I love traveling and experiencing new things every day....
