Pirates’ pitcher charged with computer porn/solicitation of a child
Two-time National League All-Star and closer for the Pittsburgh Pirates has been arrested in Lee County, accused of sending a Florida teen a video that showed him performing a sex act.
Florida Department of Law Enforcement agents, with assistance from the Pennsylvania State Police, arrested Felipe Vazquez, 28, of Saint Cloud, Fla. on Tuesday, charging him with one count of computer pornography — solicitation of a child and one count of providing obscene material to minors.
Vazquez was taken into custody in Pittsburgh on the felony warrant out of Lee County.
“FDLE’s investigation began in August of this year after agents obtained information that Vazquez had a reported sexual interaction with a 13-year old female victim who resides in Lee County,” a release from FDLE states. “The victim, now 15 years of age, was continuing to have a relationship with Vazquez via text messaging and received a video in July from him in which he is shown performing a sex act. Additionally, Vazquez allegedly sent the victim text messages suggesting they would meet for sex after his baseball season was over.”
FDLE agents and Pennsylvania State Police served a search warrant Tuesday at Vazquez’s apartment in Pittsburgh, the release states.
“Several electronic devices were seized and will be examined as part of this investigation. Additional charges are dependent upon completion of forensic exams,” according to the release.
Vazquez was taken to the Allegheny County Jail, where he will face extradition to Lee County, Florida.
The case will be prosecuted by the Office of the State Attorney, 20th Judicial Circuit.
A statement from Pirates president Frank Coonelly regarding Vazquez said, “Today we were made aware of an active law enforcement investigation involving Felipe Vazquez 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 Vazquez 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.”
Source: Florida Department of Law Enforcement