Cape News
Cape Coral 'influencer' accused of second shoplifting incident
A Cape Coral woman with a large social media following who was arrested for shoplifting from Target was arrested again nine days later, accused of the same crime. Marlena Velez, 22, was again charged with petit theft on Nov. 30. Cape Coral Police Department officials stated she stole a total of $225 in merchandise from Target on Pine Island Road on Nov. 20. Velez had been arrested on on Nov. 21 for allegedly stealing more than $500 worth of items in a separate incident at the same Target. Police said she had scanned improper barcodes at the self-checkout. CCPD posted the woman’s photo on its social media accounts to identify her after the first alleged theft, which occurred on Oct. 30. Police state an anonymous caller saw the post and gave a possible identification of Velez, and provided them with her Instagram handle. Police said Velez appears to be a content creator ...
