Detroit Lions cornerback Terrion Arnold, who was arrested Wednesday night in connection with an armed robbery and kidnapping that took place in Tampa in February, will have a pretrial detention hearing on Monday at 9:30 a.m., according to the Hillsborough County State Attorney’s office.
At the hearing, prosecutors will argue that Arnold, 23, should be denied bond and kept in jail ahead of his trial. Arnold faces four counts of kidnapping and four felony counts of armed robbery. According to the state attorney’s office, the criminal charges that will be filed against him carry a potential sentence of up to life in prison.
Arnold, who made his first appearance in court on Thursday via satellite, has denied any involvement in the incident through his spokesperson, Denise White, the CEO of EAG Sports Management. Arnold was arrested at Orient Road Jail in Hillsborough County after voluntarily turning himself in, according to a release from the city of Tampa.
“Terrion Arnold categorically denies any involvement in the matters underlying the allegations made against him and maintains his innocence,” the statement 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.
“Mr. Arnold looks forward to his day in court and is confident that the judicial process will lead to his ultimate vindication.”
In a statement on Wednesday night, the Lions said: “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.”
Arnold is accused by the state attorney’s office of “coordinating and directing” the armed robbery and kidnapping against multiple victims in retaliation for a pair of thefts that occurred at Arnold’s rental home in Largo, Florida.
Arnold was the seventh person arrested in connection with the incident. All six of Arnold’s codefendants were denied bond. It is alleged that the victims were robbed, beaten and held at gunpoint. “The victims … had visible injuries from being battered, held at gunpoint, and pistol-whipped before their personal property was stolen and they were told to leave,” said a release from the city of Tampa.
It’s alleged Arnold believed the victims had stolen more than $200,000 worth of personal items stolen from the Airbnb property. According to the state attorney’s office, “there is no evidence to prove the victims were involved in the theft.”
This is a developing story. Check back at detroitnews.com for updates.
nbianchi@detroitnews.com
@nolanbianchi
This article originally appeared on The Detroit News: Lions’ Terrion Arnold scheduled for pretrial detention hearing
Reporting by Nolan Bianchi, The Detroit News / The Detroit News
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By Nolan Bianchi, The Detroit News | USA TODAY Network
