TikTok Influencer Marlena Velez Arrested for Theft

Marlena Velez, a 22-year-old TikTok influencer known for her parenting content, has recently found herself in legal trouble for theft. She was arrested for allegedly stealing $225 worth of items from a Target store in Cape Coral, Florida, using false barcodes at the self-checkout. This incident follows a previous arrest for a larger theft at the same store, where she reportedly stole over $500 worth of merchandise and documented the act in TikTok videos. Authorities identified her through surveillance footage and social media posts, leading to her second arrest on November 30, 2024. Velez has a history of legal issues, including prior arrests for shoplifting and grand theft auto, and is scheduled to appear in court on December 10. Despite her troubles, she has expressed a desire to take accountability and emphasizes that these actions do not define her character.