Florida TikTok influencer Marlena Velez, aged 22, has recently made headlines after being arrested for allegedly shoplifting items from a Target store in Cape Coral. The incident, which occurred on October 30, involved Velez stealing 16 items, including household goods and clothing, with a total value of $500.32. Velez, who boasts a following of over 300,000 on TikTok, was charged with petty theft for her actions.
The Cape Coral Police Department was alerted to the theft by Target’s loss prevention team, who noticed Velez using a fake barcode at a self-checkout to scan items at reduced prices. After reviewing security footage from the store, authorities shared an image of the suspect on social media in an attempt to identify her. A tip from an anonymous caller claiming to be one of Velez’s followers led police to her Instagram account, which was linked to her TikTok profile.
One of Velez’s TikTok videos, which has since been deleted, featured her wearing the same outfit and glasses seen in the Target security footage. The video, titled “Get Ready With Me,” documented her shopping trip at Target and showed her loading her “purchases” into her car. Officer Riley Carter, spokesperson for the Cape Coral Police Department, stated that Velez essentially incriminated herself through her social media content.
“Social media provided us with an unexpected lead, which sped up her identification and subsequent arrest,” Carter said in a statement to The Express Tribune. Velez was charged with one count of petit theft for stealing goods valued between $100 and $750. Authorities also discovered her prior criminal record following her arrest.
The case serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of flaunting illegal activities on social media. Velez’s actions not only led to her arrest but also highlighted the role of social media in aiding law enforcement. As influencers continue to gain popularity and influence online, it is important to remember the legal and ethical responsibilities that come with a large following.
