Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Felipe Vazquez Arrested for Sexual Abuse of a Minor

Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Felipe Vazquez was taken into police custody on Tuesday. KDKA reported that the 28-year old is facing charges of computer pornography – solicitation of a child and one count of providing obscene material to minors.

This came out of an investigation that had begun in August, when Vázquez was reported of sexual relationship with a then 13-year old Florida girl.

Vázquez is alleged of sending the victim, now 15, photographs and a video from his cell phone on July 16.

A state court affidavit filed in Florida said that the suspect was identified not by his face, but by “numerous tattoos” on his body that were “unique and distinguishable.”

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,” Vazquez’s attorney, Michael Comber said.

Vázquez was denied bail, according to a spokesperson for the arraignment court in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania.

Pirates President Frank Coonelly said the Major League Baseball commissioner’s office has placed Vázquez on administrative leave. “We take this matter, and these charges in particular, extremely seriously,” Coonelly said in a statement. “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.”

Following the incident, Pittsburgh Pirates released a statement that read

“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.”