Detroit Lions cornerback Terrion Arnold (L) was a first-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. File Photo by Tannen Maury/UPI | License Photo
Detroit Lions cornerback Terrion Arnold was arrested on felony robbery and kidnapping charges, the Hillsborough County (Fla.) state attorney said.
State Attorney Susan S. Lopez announced the arrest Wednesday night and said her office will file the charges. His arrest is in connection with a robbery and kidnapping in February in Tampa, Fla.
“We are aware of the legal situation regarding Terrion Arnold,” the Lions said in a statement. “We will not comment at this time out of respect for the ongoing legal process.”
Arnold was arrested at 9:23 p.m. EDT Wednesday and booked at 10:11 p.m. at Falkenburg Road Jail. He is being held without bond. The NFL has contacted the Lions to discuss the matter.
Arnold denied his involvement through a statement released by his agent.
He faces eight charges, according to Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office records. Those charges, which carry a potential sentence of up to life in prison, include four for robbery with a firearm or deadly weapon and four for kidnapping to harm or terrorize.
“No one has the right to take the law into their own hands,” Lopez said in a news release. “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.”
Lopez said Arnold is accused of coordinating and directing codefendants to “lure three men to an apartment, where they were robbed, beaten and held at gunpoint.”
Arnold claimed the men stole more than $200,000 of his property during a stay at his AirBnB property, but there was no evidence to prove they were involved in the theft.
An investigation revealed that Arnold orchestrated the robbery and kidnapping hours after reporting the missing items to the Largo Police Department.
Lopez said Arnold’s codefendants — Boakai Hilton, Lyndell Hudso, Freddie Lee Hughes and Christion Williams — are being held without bond in connection to the case. Arianna Del Valle and Jasmine Randazzo, who are additional codefendants in the case, pleased guilty to their roles during a Wednesday court hearing.
Randazzo was sentenced to four years in prison, followed by six years of probation. Del Valle entered and open plea and will be sentenced later. Randazzo and Del Valle are required to testify in future proceedings related to the case as part of their plea agreements.
“Terrion Arnold categorically denies any involvement in the matters underlying the allegations made against him and maintains his innocence,” EAG Sports Management CEO Denise White said in a statement. “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, 23, joined the Lions as the No. 24 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. He appeared in 24 games over his firs two seasons. Arnold is entering the third year of his four-year rookie contract. That pact includes a team option in 2028.
Lions veterans will report to training camp July 28 in Allen Park, Mich.
