NewsLocal News

Actions

Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Felipe Vazquez arrested on several charges involving a minor in Lee County

FDLE agents and Penn. State Police, arrested Vazquez
Posted at 9:42 PM, Sep 17, 2019
and last updated 2019-09-18 17:36:20-04

LEE COUNTY, Fla. — Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Felipe Vazquez has been arrested and is accused of having a sexual relationship with a Lee County teen.

Felipe Vazquez has been arrested for one count of computer pornography - solicitation of a child and one count of providing obscene material to minors.

According to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, his charges stem from the relationship he was having with a Lee County teen.

This had been going on for two years investigators were tipped off after the girl's mother found text messages between the two on her daughter's phone.

"We talk about a lot of different emotions were stirred up today," said Clint Hurdle Pittsburgh Pirate's manager.

An emotional and confusing day in the Pittsburgh Pirates locker room after news broke that one of their own had been arrested.

"How do we connect and support our way through those emotions? How do we continue to find ways to improve and hold ourselves to a high standard on and off the field?" asked Hurdle.

According to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, 28-year-old pirates pitcher Felipe Vazquez had been in a two-year relationship with a Lee County girl. She was 13 when they first began that relationship.

"These allegations are very serious. The term that was used earlier is very heinous, but...right now as we know it's just allegations. There's nothing much we can say, but I do have a 14-year-old sister it's something that hits home," said teammate Chris Archer.

Investigators say the victim, who is now 15, has continued to have a relationship with Vazquez via text. They say messages included suggestions they meet for sex after the baseball season is over.

And in July they say the victim received a video of Vazquez performing a sex act.

"We are in the process of reviewing the charges, and any comment would be premature," says Michael A. Comber, Vazquez's Pittsburgh Attorney.