Prior criminal history surfaces as police act on social media evidence

Marlena Velez, a 22-year-old TikTok influencer from Florida, was arrested on petty theft charges after allegedly shoplifting over $500 worth of items from a Target store in Cape Coral. The self-proclaimed mom influencer, with over 300,000 followers, unwittingly provided evidence against herself by posting a TikTok video showing her shopping spree at the store.

The retail chain’s loss prevention team reported to Cape Coral police that a shoplifter was allegedly caught on security cameras using a fake barcode at a self-checkout to pay lower prices for items in their cart.

The suspect reportedly stole 16 items worth $500.32, including household goods and clothing. After verifying Target’s security footage, officers shared an image of the suspect on social media, seeking public assistance in identifying her.

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An anonymous tipster, claiming to be one of the suspect’s TikTok followers, identified her as Velez, a mom who shares videos about her life online. The caller also provided her Instagram handle, which linked to her TikTok account, aiding police in the case.

“She essentially incriminated herself,” said Cape Coral Police Department spokesperson Officer Riley Carter. “Social media gave us an unexpected lead, which expedited her identification and subsequent arrest.”

Shoplifting incident and arrest details

The incident occurred on October 30, when Velez reportedly scanned fake barcodes at a self-checkout, lowering the prices of 16 items, including household goods and clothing, valued at $500.32. Target’s loss prevention team provided security footage to the police, who confirmed the theft.

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Velez’s since-deleted TikTok video not only showed her picking items inside Target but also placing them in her car, further solidifying the case against her. She was arrested last Thursday and charged with petit theft of over $100 but less than $750.

A history of run-ins with the law

This isn’t Velez’s first brush with the law. Her prior record includes:

• 2019 Grand Theft Auto: At 17, she was arrested for stealing and crashing a friend’s car, which she totaled in a ditch. The car owner, Amanda Santana, accused Velez of showing no remorse and failing to pay for the damages.
• 2023 Shoplifting at Walmart: Velez was charged with stealing $63 worth of kitchen items by under-ringing them. She pleaded no contest, completed an anti-theft course, and served six months of probation, which ended just last month.

Community reaction and police statement

Velez’s former high school friend Santana expressed frustration over her repeated offenses. “She’s been living recklessly, flaunting a lifestyle that doesn’t match her actions,” she said.

Cape Coral police have reiterated that social media fame offers no immunity. “Influencers should face the same consequences as anyone else,” Officer Carter said. “Their public image doesn’t exempt them from the law.”

Velez’s case has drawn significant attention online, with many questioning the responsibility of influencers who misuse their platforms while breaking the law. For now, Velez’s legal troubles underscore the risks of flaunting a lifestyle that violates societal norms and legal boundaries.