TikTok Influencer in Legal Trouble Again

A TikTok influencer known for her shoplifting videos is now facing legal issues for fleeing from police while being wanted for a probation violation. Marlena Velez, a Florida content creator with over 525,000 followers, was spotted by Cape Coral police on September 29 while she was driving a gray Kia Sorento.

The 23-year-old attempted to evade officers in a residential area, but they chose not to pursue her at that moment, according to reports.

Later, on a Sunday, police found her in the same vehicle, although it appeared she had left the scene before they could stop it. The driver claimed they did not know where Velez was.

Eventually, police discovered her hiding in the back seat. She was subsequently taken into custody and booked at Lee County Jail for violating probation and fleeing from law enforcement. The specific circumstances surrounding her initial probation violation remain unclear.

Velez first gained notoriety last year after she was arrested twice for stealing from Target. In one incident on October 30, 2024, she was charged with petty theft for allegedly taking 16 items worth around $500, which she filmed and later shared on social media. This video, now deleted, helped authorities track her down.

Just weeks later, she faced charges again at the same store, accused of using fake barcodes to check out items, including $225 worth of items like clothing.

According to reports, Velez entered a no-contest plea for her theft charges earlier this year. Her sentence included a 20-day work program, two years of probation, and a ban from all Target locations.

Her history with the law dates back to when she was just 17, having been arrested for grand theft after stealing and crashing a friend’s car. More recently, in July 2023, she was apprehended for shoplifting at a Walmart.

As of Wednesday afternoon, Velez remained in custody on a $2,500 bail and is set to appear in court on October 27.