TikToker allegedly stole from target and was caught when she posted video

A Florida content creator was arrested last week after she was allegedly caught shoplifting – in her own video.

Marlena Velez, 22, was arrested Wednesday, November 20, in connection with a theft reported in October at a Target in Cape Coral, Florida, the Cape Coral Police Department said in a statement.

According to the police statement, Target alleged that the suspect picked up several items on sale, and instead of scanning those items, she scanned barcodes of several lower-priced items at the self-checkout.

The stolen goods included 16 household items and clothing, with a total value of $500.32, police said.

when Cape Coral police released surveillance images of the suspect, officials said participation they received an anonymous tip that led them to Velez’s Instagram and TikTok.

Her TikTok account has 356,000 followers, but her Instagram account appears to have been deleted.

Investigators say they compared surveillance footage of her to the outfits and activities seen in a TikTok post she made the same day as the theft.

In her TikTok video, clips of which were shared by Cape Coral police, Velez is apparently seen picking up several items, including a Stanley mug, a mini cosmetic bag and a milk and cookie set. She then appears to film herself filling her trunk with several shopping bags. The video is no longer available on Velez’s TikTok.

Velez called herself a mom vlogger who posted about home decor and fashion in 2020. In a TikTok video from September 2023, she talks about her high income: with just one video she earns the equivalent of what her boyfriend earns in a month. .

“If I have any advice, it’s just to keep posting. Keep posting anything and everything. Who cares if it gets 20 views, just post it. Stop waiting for the ‘right time’ when you once you believe in yourself, and so will others,” she wrote in part of the caption, adding, “there are so many opportunities you might miss because you’re afraid to pick up that camera and film content!”

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Velez has been charged with petit larceny. Online court records show Velez has been released on bail, but no attorney or plea information is listed.