Marlena Velez TikToker arrested after sharing video of shoplifting haul from Target Cape Coral, Florida store going viral in latest shoplifting and theft arrest for influencer.
Florida authorities arrested a social media influencer earlier this week after she shared video of herself shoplifting $500 worth of merchandise from a Target outlet in Cape Coral.
Marlena Velez, 22, who according to police has prior shoplifting busts, including car theft as a teen, was arrested on Thursday after the video went viral amongst her 346K followers on TikTok with footage now serving as crucial evidence according to a release from the Cape Coral Police Department.
In her latest arrest, Velez is accused of stealing hundreds of dollars worth of household items and clothing from the Target in Cape Coral on Pine Island Road.
@marlenavelezz Pre @morganwallen fit check 🤍 mom came out to play tn 🤭 – #momsoftiktok #morganwallen #morganwallenconcert #countryconcert #ootd #transition #youngmom #momtok ♬ THINKIN BOUT ME – W E S 🎼
TikToker history of shoplifting
‘She essentially incriminated herself,’ said CCPD spokesperson Officer Riley Carter according to FOX4. ‘Social media gave us an unexpected lead, which expedited her identification and subsequent arrest.’
A review of surveillance video at the Target Cape Coral outlet was able to pinpoint Velez scamming the self checkout counter. Use of artificial intelligence was used to help investigators track suspected and repeat movements of incriminated individuals.
Velez was charged with petty theft for an item valued between $100 and $750 and booked into the Lee County jail, WINK News reported.
But the TikTok influencer’s arrest it appears is a continuation of a long line of theft arrests.
CCPD confirmed Velez was arrested in October 2019 and charged with grand theft of a motor vehicle when she was 17 years old.
In July 2023, records show Velez was arrested again, this time for shoplifting from a Walmart off Del Prado Boulevard in Cape Coral.
The report cited by NBC2 said video footage captured ‘a female, later identified as Marlena Velez, in the self-checkout under ringing items by scanning one item, then placing another item underneath the scanned item…’
The CCPD report said she stole a total of $63 in kitchen items. In April 2024, CCPD records show Velez pleaded no contest to the charges.
Records show she completed an anti-theft course and was on probation for six months until last month, the outlet reported.
