TikTok influencer arrested after shoplifting from Target—and showing off her 'shopping spree'

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TikTok fame comes with its perks—and its pitfalls, too. Marlena Velez, a 22-year-old TikTok influencer from Cape Coral, Florida, recently found herself in hot water after being accused of shoplifting from a Target store. The alleged theft, totaling over $500, has left many scratching their heads, especially since Velez documented her shopping trip on social media, inadvertently offering the evidence that led to her arrest.

 

The incident took place on October 30, 2024, at a Target on NE Pine Island Road. Velez, who boasts more than 300,000 followers on TikTok, reportedly used false barcodes at the self-checkout, paying reduced prices for 16 items, including household goods and clothing.

 

 

Surveillance footage captured her actions, but it was her own TikTok video—which featured the shopping spree—that ultimately sealed the deal. 

 

After the footage from Target was shared on social media by the Cape Coral Police, a tipster recognized Velez and handed over her Instagram handle to the authorities. Investigators matched her online posts with the recordings, noting she was wearing the same outfit. It wasn't long before Velez was arrested and charged with petty theft, a misdemeanor offense. She was later released on a $150 bail, with her court date set for December 10.

 

 

This isn't Velez's first brush with the law. Back in 2019, she was arrested for grand theft auto for allegedly taking a friend's car without permission. More recently, in July 2023, she faced charges for shoplifting at a Walmart. 

 

The irony of the situation is hard to miss—Velez's own social media fame played a pivotal role in her identification and subsequent arrest. Authorities have yet to comment on whether more charges will be brought.

 

• https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/tiktok-influencer-arrested-posting-videos-allegedly-shoplifted-target-rcna181810 
• https://nypost.com/2024/11/25/us-news/tiktok-influencer-marlena-velez-arrested-after-allegedly-flaunting-shoplifted-target-goods-on-video/ 
• https://www.nytimes.com/2024/11/25/us/tiktok-influencer-shoplifting-target.html 
• https://people.com/tiktok-vlogger-allegedly-stole-target-caught-when-posted-video-8751457