A TikTok sensation with nearly 300,000 followers faces petty theft charges after a photo Cape Coral police posted of the suspect led them to the accused.
Marlena Velez, 22, faces petty theft charges.
On Wednesday, Cape Coral police officers responded to the Target store at 1890 N.E. Pine Island Road for a retail theft.
Loss prevention staff at the retail store told authorities that on Oct. 30 an unknown female, later identified as Velez, entered the store and selected items.
Once at the self-checkout register, police said, the Velez scanned a false barcode with cheaper prices.
Police said she stole 16 items — household goods and clothing. The total loss of the stolen items was valued at $500.32. Officers verified this with Target’s security cameras, police noted.
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Cape Coral police’s Facebook and Instagram accounts posted Velez’s picture to assist with identification. In the photo, Velez appeared to be between 20 and 35 years old, had long black hair, and was wearing a tan shirt, tan pants, and glasses.
An anonymous caller saw the post on social media and identified Velez as the possible suspect, police said. The anonymous caller also provided officers with Velez’s Instagram handle.
Police said officers then found Velez’s TikTok account, which documented her getting ready on Oct. 30 in the same outfit and glasses and going to Target.
According to authorities, Velez documented herself picking out items inside the store and placing them in her car after exiting the store. Velez appears to be a content creator with almost 300,000 followers.
Officers found Marlena Velez and arrested her on one count of petty theft. Her arraignment date was not available before publication.
Tomas Rodriguez is a Breaking/Live News Reporter for the Naples Daily News and The News-Press. You can reach Tomas at TRodriguez@gannett.com or 772-333-5501. Connect with him on Threads @tomasfrobeltran, Instagram @tomasfrobeltran and Facebook @tomasrodrigueznews.