A social media influencer known for her presence on TikTok was taken into custody on Wednesday, following accusations of shoplifting approximately $500 worth of merchandise from a Target store in Florida last month, according to law enforcement officials.
The incident unfolded on October 30, 2024, at the Target located at 1890 NE Pine Island Road in Cape Coral. Store employees reported to the Cape Coral Police Department that a woman had selected several sale items but then bypassed scanning their barcodes at the self-checkout, instead using a barcode associated with lower-priced items.
The stolen goods, comprised of various household items and clothing, totaled just over $500. In an attempt to identify the suspect, the Cape Coral Police Department shared images from the store's security footage on their social media platforms, including Facebook and Instagram.
A crucial tip from an anonymous individual who saw the online posts led police to 22-year-old Marlena Velez, a TikTok influencer boasting nearly 300,000 followers. The tipster suggested Velez as a potential match for the suspect.
Upon reviewing Velez's TikTok account, officers discovered a video showing her wearing the same attire and eyewear as the individual captured on Target's security cameras. The video further depicted her selecting items within the store and later placing them in her vehicle on the same date as the alleged theft.
Based on this evidence, Cape Coral Police identified Velez as the suspect in the Target theft. She was subsequently located and apprehended, then transported to the Lee County Jail. She faces charges of petit theft.
