TikTok sensation arrested for petty theft

Cape Coral 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.

A TikTok sensation with nearly 300,000 followers is facing petit larceny charges after a photo posted by Cape Coral police of the suspect led to the charge.

Marlena Velez, 22, is facing petit larceny charges.

On Wednesday, Cape Coral police officers responded to the Target store at 1890 NE Pine Island Road for a retail theft.

Loss prevention personnel at the retail store told authorities that on Oct. 30, an unknown woman, later identified as Velez, entered the store and selected items.

Once at the self-checkout register, police said, Velez scanned a fake barcode with cheaper prices.

Police said he stole 16 items – household goods and clothing. The total loss of stolen items was valued at $500.32. Officers verified this with Target’s security cameras, police noted.

Cape Coral Police’s Facebook and Instagram accounts posted Velez’s photo to aid in 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 social media post and identified Velez as a possible suspect, police said. The anonymous caller also gave officers 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 was documented picking out items inside the store and placing them in the car after leaving the store. Velez appears to be a content creator with nearly 300,000 followers.

Officers found Marlena Velez and arrested her on a charge of petit larceny. His hearing date was not available prior to publication.

Tomas Rodriguez is a breaking/live news reporter for the Naples Daily News and The News-Press. You can contact Tomas at [email protected] or 772-333-5501. Connect with him on Threads @tomasfrobeltranInstagram @tomasfrobeltran and Facebook @tomasrodrigueznews.