Pride of Detroit
According to multiple reports, Detroit Lions cornerback Terrion Arnold has been arrested and is facing four counts of kidnapping and four counts of armed robbery that could carry sentences of up to life in prison.
This is in connection with the armed robbery case in Tampa, Florida, from earlier this offseason. Previous allegations connected Arnold to the incident, but there were no arrests or charges until now.
The incident occurred on February 4, just one day after Arnold reported to police that around $250,000 in cash and other valuables were stolen from his Airbnb. A court order alleged that “Arnold and his friend” orchestrated their own retaliation on the people whom they believed were responsible for the initial robbery. That order alleged that five people, in addition to Arnold, were part of a plan that lured those people into a home, held them hostage at gunpoint, robbed them, and assaulted them via pistol whip. All five people involved had already been arrested in February.
Here are the latest allegations directly related to Arnold, via Tampa.gov:
Investigators found Del Valle streamed the incident to Arnold, Hilton, and Hughes, as they were traveling to the apartment. Investigators also found a group chat with all defendants was created, where Arnold and Hilton reportedly gave directions to Del Valle, Williams, and Hudson during the assault.
About an hour later, Arnold, Hilton, Hughes, and another individual arrived at the apartment. It was reported Arnold directed them to go inside the residence. While the assault was still occurring, Hughes, Hudson, and Williams stole personal property belonging to the victims.
Per the same story, investigators believe “Arnold was the primary conspirator” of the crime.
Arnold has previously denied any involvement in the crime, and his attorney, Denise White, CEO of Couto Management, offered a statement on Wednesday evening:
“Terrion Arnold categorically denies any involvement in the matters underlying the allegations made against him and maintains his innocence. There is no credible evidence linking Mr. Arnold to these allegations. 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.”
Arnold turned himself in, per Tampa.gov.
Per the Detroit Free Press, the attorney’s office is seeking to keep Arnold in jail until trial, arguing that he remains a danger to the community. And the arrest came hours after two other defendants in the case agreed to plea deals.
The Detroit Lions PR team has released the following statement:
“We are aware of the legal situation regarding Terrion Arnold. We will not comment at this time out of respect for the ongoing legal process.”
