CAPE CORAL, Fla. — A local TikTok influencer has been arrested for shoplifting from Target, according to the Cape Coral Police Department.
On October 30th, officials allege that the woman entered the Target store and selected various items intended for purchase. However, upon reaching the self-checkout, she reportedly opted to use a counterfeit barcode showcasing lower prices instead of scanning the actual barcodes for her items. As a result, she successfully stole sixteen household items and pieces of clothing, amounting to over $500 in losses for the retailer.
The police took to social media, sharing the suspect’s image on their Facebook and Instagram accounts, leading to an anonymous tip that identified her as Marlena Velez. The informant also provided her Instagram handle, which facilitated the investigation.
Surveillance footage matched Velez’s appearance, and her TikTok account revealed a video from the same day where she can be seen preparing to leave her home and documenting her trips to T.J Maxx and Target. This video has garnered over 150,000 views, showcasing her shopping experience and capturing her as she loaded items into her car after leaving the stores.
Velez now faces a charge of petit theft, specifically for stealing items valued between $100 and $750.
This incident highlights the potential consequences of social media visibility when engaging in unlawful behavior. It serves as a reminder that actions—and the documentation of them—can have serious implications. As communities rally around supporting local businesses, it also emphasizes the importance of lawful conduct and the impact of theft on retail operations.