TikTok Mom Vlogger Allegedly Stole from Target, Got Caught When She Posted Video

Mar. 15, 2025

Marlena Velez.

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

Marlena Velez, 22, was arrested Wednesday, Nov. 21, in connection with a theft reported at a Cape Coral, Fla., Target in October, theCape Coral Police Departmentsaid in a statement.

Per the police statement, Target alleged that the suspect picked up several items on sale, and instead of scanning those items, she scanned barcodes of different, cheaper items at self-checkout.

The stolen goods included 16 articles of household items and clothing, totaling $500.32 in value, police said.

Marlena Velez in her TikTok video.Cape Coral Police Dept.

Cape Coral Police Dept.

When Cape Coral police released security footage of the suspect, officialssaythey 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 taken down.

Investigators say they matched the security footage of her with the outfits and activities seen in a post on TikTok she made the same day as the theft.

Marlena Velez.Cape Coral Police Dept.

Velez billed herself as a mom vlogger posting about home decor and fashion, starting back in 2020. In one September 2023 TikTok video, she speaks about her high income — earning, from just one video, 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’ once you believe in yourself so will others,” she wrote in part of the caption, adding: “there are so many opportunities you may be passing up because you’re scared to pick up that camera and film content!”

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Velez has been charged with one count of petty theft. Online court records show Velez has been released on bond, but did not indicate any information about an attorney or plea.

source: people.com