A TikToker who went viral in 2024 after stealing from Target and posting a video showing off her haul has been sentenced.
Florida TikTok star and Instagram influencer Marlena Velez, 22, was sentenced to 12 months of probation on March 13, following her no-contest plea to two counts of petty theft.
Known for her TikTok account with over 462,000 followers and 9.6 million likes, Velez faced charges stemming from two incidents of shoplifting at a local Target, where she also flaunted the stolen items on social media.
The case first unfolded on November 30, 2024, when Cape Coral Police were called to the Target on Pine Island Road to investigate a theft reported by the store’s loss prevention staff.
TikToker caught using false barcodes at Target
The security cameras captured footage showing Velez scanning counterfeit barcodes on various household and clothing items at the self-checkout to lower their prices, resulting in a total value of $225 being saved.
View this post on InstagramA post shared by Cape Coral Police Department (@capepd)
Authorities identified Velez through security footage and her social media accounts. Investigators matched her phone’s wallpaper, visible in the footage, with images posted on her Instagram.
Further review of her TikTok account documented her wearing the same outfit and glasses during an October 30 visit to the store, bolstering the case against her.
This wasn’t her first offense. On November 20, just 10 days prior to the incident, she was arrested for a separate theft at the same Target location. In that instance, she stole items valued at $500.32.
After being initially arrested, Velez made her TikTok account private, however, due to the popularity of her content – such as videos showing her daily activities – it has attracted significant public interest from a wide range of people.
Judge Maria Gonzalez handed down the probation sentence on March 13 as part of a plea deal. The social media star’s probation will run concurrently for both cases.
Read More
- Best Crosshair Codes for Fragpunk
- Monster Hunter Wilds Character Design Codes – Ultimate Collection
- Enigma Of Sepia Tier List & Reroll Guide
- Hollow Era Private Server Codes [RELEASE]
- Wuthering Waves: How to Unlock the Reyes Ruins
- FARTCOIN PREDICTION. FARTCOIN cryptocurrency
- Ultimate Tales of Wind Radiant Rebirth Tier List
- Best Crossbow Build in Kingdom Come Deliverance 2
- Best Jotunnslayer Hordes of Hel Character Builds
- Skull and Bones Timed Out: Players Frustrated by PSN Issues
2025-03-16 21:27