TikToker allegedly robbed target, was caught when she posted the video

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

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

According to a police affidavit, Target said the suspect purchased several discounted items and instead of scanning them, she scanned the barcodes of various, cheaper items at the self-checkout.

Police said the stolen goods included 16 household items and clothing with a total value of $500.32.

When Cape Coral police released surveillance footage of the suspect, officers to talk they received an anonymous tip that led them to Velez’s Instagram and TikTok.

Her TikTok account has 356,000 followers, but it appears that her Instagram account has been deleted.

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

In his TikTok video, excerpts of which were shared by Cape Coral police, Velez can be seen picking up several items, including a Stanley cup, a mini makeup bag and a milk and cookie set. He then appears to film himself filling his trunk with several shopping bags. The video is no longer available on Velez’s TikTok.

Velez billed herself as a mom vlogger, posting about home decor and fashion starting in 2020. In one TikTok video from September 2023, she talks about her high income — earning in one video the equivalent of what her boyfriend makes earns monthly.

“If I have any advice, it’s to just keep posting. Keep posting anything and everything. Who cares if it gets 20 views, just post it. Stop waiting for the “right moment” when you believe in yourself and others,” she wrote in part of the caption, adding: “There are so many opportunities you can miss because you are afraid to pick up the camera and footage!”

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Velez was charged with one count of petty theft. Online court records show Velez has been released on bail, but provide no information about an attorney or the charges.