Valley Man Rakes in Cash with Controversial TikToks that Cross Legal Lines

Charles Smith, 27, faces multiple charges including criminal damage and endangerment following a disturbing incident at a Walmart in Mesa, Arizona. This stems from a video that surfaced on social media, capturing him spraying insecticide on food products in the store.

On December 19, a video shared on “X,” the platform formerly known as Twitter, depicted Smith using “Hot Shot Ultra Bed Bug and Flea Killer” on various items such as fruits, vegetables, and rotisserie chickens. The video prompted outrage and has since been removed from social media.

Mesa Police responded swiftly, notifying the store management and ensuring that any potentially contaminated produce was removed from public access. A Walmart spokesperson confirmed that they prioritized customer safety and have cleaned the affected area.

Local shoppers expressed their disgust regarding Smith’s actions. Ramon Soberanes lamented, “This is where people shop for their families,” highlighting the risk to consumers unknowingly purchasing tainted products.

This bizarre act reportedly aimed to generate content for social media “pranks.” According to police reports, Smith entered the Walmart intending to film and thought it would draw attention. Instead, he faced serious legal repercussions.

Court documents indicate that Smith returned soon after the initial incident, allegedly trying to collect the contaminated items. However, reports revealed he merely moved them to the back of the store, leaving ambiguity about the fate of the contaminated goods.

In total, Walmart reported a loss of approximately $931 worth of food, which now poses a health risk. Police underscored that the time elapsed during his actions might have allowed customers to unknowingly purchase these items.

Smith’s prior legal troubles include charges related to shoplifting and a failure to appear in court. He voluntarily turned himself in after being contacted by law enforcement.

During police interviews, Smith conveyed awareness of public backlash prompting his return to the store. He acknowledged the potential health risks tied to his actions, revealing a troubling motive fueled by social media views and engagement.

He currently faces serious charges, including introducing poison (a felony) and several misdemeanors. In the wake of the incident, Smith’s TikTok account, boasting over 300,000 followers, has been removed. Experts suggest this action stems from TikTok’s policies against promoting harmful activities.

While TikTok has deleted his account, Smith’s Instagram presence remains untouched. The discrepancy in policy enforcement between these platforms raises questions regarding social media responsibility and user safety.