Marlena Velez, a 22-year-old TikTok influencer known for her lifestyle videos as a mother of two, has been arrested for the second time in connection with shoplifting incidents at the same Target store in Cape Coral, Florida.
Velez, who has nearly 400,000 followers on TikTok, first made headlines last month after she was charged with stealing over $500 worth of items during an October 30 visit to the store. The influencer was identified, in part, by her own TikTok videos, in which she flaunted some of the stolen goods.
Now, Velez is facing additional petty theft charges for a second incident at the same store on November 20. Police allege she used a phony barcode at the self-checkout to steal 16 household and clothing items valued at $225.
Caught by Social Media and Surveillance
Cape Coral Police were able to identify Velez as the thief in both incidents through surveillance footage. Notably, her phone’s wallpaper—visible during one of the thefts—matched a photo she had posted on Instagram.
In her initial arrest, investigators said she posted a “get ready with me” video on TikTok showing her wearing the same outfit and glasses seen on the shoplifter in surveillance footage. The now-deleted video even documented her picking out items at the Target and placing them in her car.
Authorities also noted that a man with a distinctive arm tattoo, who appears in several of Velez’s TikTok videos, was present during one of the thefts.
A Troubled History
This isn’t the first time Velez has had run-ins with the law. At just 17 years old, she was arrested for grand theft auto after stealing and crashing a friend’s car in 2019. More recently, in July 2023, she was arrested for shoplifting at a Walmart in Cape Coral.
Public Reaction and Legal Consequences
Velez’s arrests have sparked widespread commentary on social media, with many users criticizing her for flaunting stolen goods online. Some have questioned how she has continued to engage in criminal activity despite her growing online presence and responsibilities as a mother.
Velez now faces escalating legal troubles. If convicted of the latest charges, she could face fines, jail time, or probation. Authorities have not disclosed whether her TikTok content will be used as evidence in court for her latest alleged offense.
As of now, Velez has not publicly commented on her arrests, and it remains unclear whether she will continue her social media activities. Target representatives have not issued a statement regarding the incidents.
The case underscores the risks of blending personal life with online fame, particularly when questionable or illegal behavior is broadcast to a global audience.
