Detroit Lions Player Charged In Violent Robbery, Kidnapping: Prosecutor

DETROIT — Detroit Lions cornerback Terrion Arnold was arrested Wednesday and is facing charges in connection with a Florida kidnapping and robbery that happened in February, according to prosecutors.

Arnold, 26, was charged with four counts each of kidnapping and armed robbery. He turned himself in to police Wednesday and was placed in the Orient Road Jail in Tampa, according to prosecutors.

If convicted, he faces up to life in prison.

Arnold and multiple others lured three men to an apartment on Feb. 4 in the Tampa area where the men were beaten and robbed at gunpoint, according to prosecutors.

Arnold coordinated the attack in a group chat, as he believed the men stole more than $200,000 worth of his personal items from an Airbnb property that he rented, according to prosecutors.

The attack happened just hours after Arnold reported the stolen items to police, according to prosecutors.

Prosecutors said there is no evidence connecting the victims to the Airbnb property theft.

The men were injured in the attack, though police did not specify the extent of the injuries.

Boakai Hilton, Lyndell Hudson, Freddie Lee Hughes III and Christion Williams were also arrested in connection with the case. They were each placed in jail without bond, according to prosecutors.

Two others, Arianna Del Valle and Jasmine Randazzo, each pleaded guilty to their roles in the crime during a court hearing on June 24.

Randazzo was sentenced to four years in Florida State Prison followed by six years of probation. Del Valle entered an open plea with the court, and sentencing will be set off to a later date.

As part of the plea agreements, they are required to testify truthfully in any future proceedings related to this case.

"No one has the right to take the law into their own hands. A dispute over missing property does not justify kidnapping, violence, or retaliation," Florida State Attorney Suzy Lopez said. "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."

Denise White of EAG Sports Management released a statement on Arnold’s behalf denying his involvement.

"Terrion Arnold categorically denies any involvement in the matters underlying the allegations made against him and maintains his innocence," White said. "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."

The Detroit Lions selected Arnold in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft. He has played a key role in the team's secondary.

"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," the Detroit Lions said in a team statement.