A woman has been arrested after allegedly stealing goods from a Target store and posting a video of it on social media.
Florida police say that Marlena Valez has nearly 300,000 TikTok followers and that she posted a video of herself choosing items from a Target store.
Her video, entitled 'A Day In My Life As A Mom' was intended to promote her lifestyle as an affluent social media influencer and does not suggest the items were shoplifted.
Newsweek sought comment from Valez via social media and comment from Target via email on Tuesday.
In a press statement, Cape Coral Police Department said officers were called to a Target store that reported "a past retail theft" that occurred on October 30.
Target security officers told them that an unknown female had switched barcodes at the self-checkout, using "a false barcode with cheaper prices."
"Sixteen items of miscellaneous household goods and clothing were stolen. The total loss of the stolen items was valued at $500.32. Officers verified this with Target's security cameras," the press statement reads.
"The female appeared to be approximately 20-35 years old, had long black hair, and was wearing a tan shirt, tan pants, and glasses," it states.
An anonymous caller saw a police post on social media and gave a possible identification for the suspect as Marlena Vele.
"The anonymous caller also provided officers with Marlena's Instagram handle," the press release adds.
"Officers then found Marlena's TikTok account, which documents her getting ready on October 30, 2024, in the same outfit and glasses, and going to Target. Marlena documents herself picking out items inside the store and placing them in her car after exiting the store. Marlena appears to be a content creator with almost 300,000 followers," it adds.
Officers went to Valez's home, arrested her and took her to Lee County Jail. She was released on $150 cash bond several hours later.
A social media post created by Cape Coral police shows excerpts from Valez's TikTok video.
It shows her putting on Prada-branded perfume before going to Target and picking out items that include diapers, a purse and a coffee holder. It also shows her putting them in the back of her car in Target shopping bags.
However, the video does not show Valez using false barcodes or how she paid for the items.
Target has been struggling to deal with shoplifting at its stores.
In 2023, it closed nine stores, from New York City to Seattle, Washington as a response to shoplifting.
"[We] cannot continue operating these stores because theft and organized retail crime are threatening the safety of our team and guests, and contributing to unsustainable business performance," the company said in a statement at the time.
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