A 22-year-old TikTok influencer, Marlena Velez, with almost 300,000 followers, was arrested After Stealing from Store Using Fake Barcodes at a Target store in Cape Coral, Florida. To make matters more complicated, she posted her actions on her TikTok account, giving police all the evidence they needed to arrest her.
What Happened?
On October 30, 2024, Marlena entered the Target located at 1890 NE Pine Island Road. According to the Cape Coral Police Department, she selected various items from the shelves and proceeded to the self-checkout. Instead of scanning the actual barcodes on the items, she used fake barcodes that displayed significantly lower prices.
Target’s loss prevention team confirmed that Marlena had stolen 16 items, including household goods and clothing, worth $500.32. This act was captured on the CCTV cameras of the store.
How Was She Caught?
Cape Coral Police posted photos of the suspect on their official Facebook and Instagram accounts, seeking public assistance to identify her. Someone recognized Marlena from the social media post and informed the police about her TikTok account.
Upon reviewing her TikTok profile, officers discovered a video where she documented herself getting ready to go to Target on the same day. In the video, she wore the same tan outfit and glasses as seen on the security camera footage. She even recorded herself selecting items, leaving the store, and placing the goods in her car.
Arrest and Charges
Marlena was arrested and charged with petit theft, a misdemeanor for items stolen worth less than $750. She is currently being held at the Lee County Jail.
The police have confirmed that the investigation is ongoing, and additional charges may be filed depending on further findings.
The Risks of Oversharing on Social Media
This case highlights how oversharing on social media can lead to unintended consequences. Marlena’s decision to post about her alleged crime not only incriminated her but also made it easier for authorities to track her down. For more details on retail theft and its consequences, check this article by National Association for Shoplifting Prevention.
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