Detroit Lions star Terrion Arnold has been arrested over his alleged connection to a February kidnapping and robbery in Tampa and now faces up to life in prison.
The Hillsborough County State Attorney’s Office has announced that it will file charges against Arnold, who is scheduled to make his first court appearance on Thursday.
Prosecutors will request Arnold remain in jail after surrendering himself to authorities Wednesday.
‘Arnold is facing multiple felony charges which carry a potential sentence of up to life in prison,’ read a statement from the state attorney’s office. ‘Our office will file a pretrial detention motion to argue that Arnold remain behind bars until trial.’
The 23-year-old cornerback is accused of coordinating and directing other co-defendants in the case to lure three men to an apartment, where they were ‘robbed, beaten and held at gunpoint,’ according to state attorneys.
Prosecutors went on to claim that Arnold believed the victims stole more than $200,000 worth of his personal items during a stat in his AirBNB property. The 2024 first-round draft pick claimed he lost $100,000 in cash, an $80,000 necklace and a cellphone issued to him by the Lions.
Detroit Lions star Terrion Arnold has been arrested over his alleged connection to a February kidnapping and robbery in Tampa and now faces up to life in prison
The Florida State Attorney’s Office trumpeted Arnold’s arrest on Wednesday evening
However, prosecutors claim, there is no evidence proving Arnold’s alleged victims were involved in the theft.
Arnold is specifically accused of orchestrating the kidnapping and robbery ‘just hours’ after reporting the missing items to the Largo (Florida) Police Department.
Arnold has denied the allegations through his agent, Denise White of EAG Sports Management, who said her client ‘maintains his innocence’ and ‘categorically denies any involvement.’
‘There is no credible evidence linking Mr. Arnold to these allegations,’ read White’s staement. ‘Instead, the government appears to be relying on testimony from multiple convicted felons who have admitted their own involvement and may have substantial incentives to shift blame in an effort to lessen their sentences. Mr. Arnold looks forward to his day in court and is confident that the judicial process will lead to his ultimate vindication.’
The Lions are aware of Arnold’s arrest, but spokespeople have declined further comment ‘out of respect for the ongoing legal process.’
State Attorney Suzy Lopez has issued a statement accusing Arnold of vigaliante justice.
‘No one has the right to take the law into their own hands,’ Lopez said in a statement. ‘A dispute over missing property does not justify kidnapping, violence, or retaliation. This arrest is the result of months of investigative work and collaboration between the Tampa Police Department and our prosecutors.
‘We will continue to pursue justice for the three victims by holding everyone accountable for their roles in this crime.’
Arnold’s co-defendants Boakai Hilton, Lyndell Hudson, Freddie Lee Hughes III, and Christion Williams are also being held behind bars, while two others, Arianna Del Valle and Jasmine Randazzo, have already pleaded guilty to their roles in the crime during a Wednesday hearing.
Randazzo has been sentenced to four years in prison followed by another six of probation, while Del Valle has entered an open plea. Sentencing in her case will take place at a later date.
Del Valle is believed to be Arnold’s girlfriend.
