Florida Woman Caught Shoplifting at Target Again Following Viral Video of Stolen Merchandise

A woman from Florida gained considerable attention online after reportedly stealing items from Target and subsequently showcasing her haul on TikTok. Now, she has found herself back in legal trouble for another alleged shoplifting incident at the same store.

On November 30, 2024, Marlena Velez, a social media personality based in Cape Coral, was apprehended by local police following a second allegation of shoplifting. This came after she previously attracted media attention in October when she shared a TikTok video flaunting her stolen merchandise, which included items valued at approximately $500.

TikTok Star Arrested Again for Shoplifting

According to reports from NBC Miami, Velez is accused of using the same deceptive barcode scanning method at the self-checkout as she did previously. During this recent theft, she allegedly took household goods and clothing worth around $225.

Law enforcement officials were able to identify Velez due to her prior arrest and the distinctive wallpaper on her phone, which appeared in prior TikTok videos. Authorities arrested her at her residence and transported her to Lee County Jail.

Notably, Velez was accompanied by a man and her children during the incident. The Cape Coral Police Department shared details about the arrest on their social media platforms, highlighting that the male companion had a unique tattoo resembling one seen in Velez’s TikTok posts.

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This incident marks another troubling example of influencer-related criminal behavior. Earlier this year, a different case captured public interest when a fitness influencer disappeared from a Walmart, only to be discovered deceased later on.

According to Fox, following her most recent arrest, Velez was charged with petit theft and subsequently posted bail the next day.

The case raises important conversations about the consequences of social media behavior and its potential impact on legal matters. As influencer culture continues to thrive, incidents like these highlight the crucial need for individuals to be mindful of their actions both online and offline.

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