Pirates' All-Star Closer Felipe Vázquez Facing Several Felony Charges, Including Sexual Assault Of Teen He Met At PNC Park
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) -- Pittsburgh Pirates' closer Felipe Vázquez has been arrested on charges of pornography and soliciting a child.
According to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, Vázquez was arrested just after 11 a.m. Tuesday in Pittsburgh on a felony warrant out of Lee County, Florida. Vázquez, 28, of Saint Cloud, Florida, is facing charges of computer pornography - solicitation of a child and one count of providing obscene material to minors. He was arrested at The Yards at 3 Crossings apartments.
On Tuesday afternoon, Vazquez's bond was denied, and he's facing additional charges out of Westmoreland County of statutory sexual assault, unlawful contact with a minor, corruption of minors and indecent assault of a person less than 16-years-old, court records show.
WATCH: Pam Surano Breaks Down The Details Of The Charges Brought Against Felipe Vazquez
Vazquez's lawyer said a hearing is set for Sept. 25 to determine if Vazquez will be extradited to Florida.
"We're in the process of reviewing the charges that have been brought at this time and any comment would be premature," said Vazquez's attorney, Michael Comber.
Pennsylvania State Police investigators and FDLE officials served a search warrant this morning at Vázquez's Strip District apartment on Railroad Street.
Investigators say they seized several electronic devices, which will undergo forensic examinations as part of the ongoing investigation.
Earlier today Felipe Vazquez was taken into custody without incident by members of the PA State Police at his residence in Pittsburgh for a warrant out of the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. He's being arraigned by an Allegheny County Magistrate this afternoon.
— Troop A Public Information Officers (@PSPTroopAPIO) September 17, 2019
Florida law enforcement officials say their investigation began last month after officials "obtained information that Vázquez had a reported sexual relationship with a 13-year-old female" in Florida. Authorities say the alleged victim, now 15, had gotten text messages from Vázquez suggesting they meet up after the baseball season for sex.
Court paperwork reports that the teen's mother discovered the messages sent to the victim that said, "I cant wait to see you during the off season."
An incident report from the Lee County Sheriff's Office said Vazquez and the victim met at PNC Park, where they took pictures outside the bullpen.
The report says the victim found Vazquez on social media and the two began talking over the last three years.
Investigators say the victim also told police that Vazquez drove to her Pennsylvania home on one occasion.
WATCH: KDKA's Bob Allen reports live on Vazquez's arrest.
She says Vazquez pulled her pants down while they were inside his car, and placed her on his lap, then tried to have sex with her.
The incident report says the reported incidents occurred between July 29 and Aug. 1 before being reported Aug. 5.
Investigators say the girl also allegedly received a video in July from the pitcher in which he is shown performing a sex act.
The arrest warrant affidavit says investigators were able to identify Vázquez by comparing photos of his tattoos.
The Pirates have placed Vazquez on the restricted list following the arrest.
Pirates manager Clint Hurdle talked about the arrest prior to Tuesday night's game.
"A lot of different emotions were stirred up today, in a lot of different places," Hurdle said. "How do we connect and support our way through those emotions, how do we continue to improve and hold ourselves to a high standard on and off the field."
Hurdle went on to say that the team needs to communicate together, and figure out what they need to do as an organization to help.
"At the end of the day, we've gone through the storm together, how are we going to get to the other side of it," Hurdle said.
The Pittsburgh Pirates have released this statement:
"Today we were made aware of an active law enforcement investigation involving Felipe Vázquez and his subsequent arrest. We take this matter, and these charges in particular, extremely seriously. We have informed the Commissioner's Office of the investigation and arrest. The Commissioner's Office will immediately place Felipe Vázquez on Administrative Leave (and, as a result, Restricted List) pursuant to the Joint MLB/MLBPA Policy. We need to be respectful to all involved and the ongoing legal proceeding. As a result, the organization, our staff and players cannot comment any further at this time."
Pirates President Frank Coonelly's statement regarding Felipe Vazquez. pic.twitter.com/XWazDLP3YC
— Pirates (@Pirates) September 17, 2019
Vázquez is being held in the Allegheny County Jail.
He also is facing extradition back to Florida.
Stay with KDKA for the latest on this developing story.