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The Pittsburgh Pirates have had little to celebrate as they currently sit at the bottom of the NL Central with a 65-85 record. However, one of the bright spots on the field has been Felipe Vasquez who has been among the league leaders (amongst other relievers) in ERA, fWAR, and FIP for the majority of the season.
None of that really matters right now as Vazquez was arrested on some very serious and very disturbing charges.
Pittsburgh Pirates closer Felipe Vazquez has been arrested and charged with one count of computer pornography, solicitation of a child and one count of providing obscene material to minors, according to police in Lee County, Florida.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) September 17, 2019
Disturbing details from Lee County police on the arrest of Pirates closer Felipe Vazquez, who is facing multiple charges. pic.twitter.com/zkHlrMcgEw
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) September 17, 2019
The details surrounding the offenses that Vazquez is accused of committing are still coming out as we speak, but what we do know is horrifying. Vazquez allegedly has been in some sort of relationship with a 15 year old girl and that relationship has been going on since she was 13 years old. There are apparently text messages that include lewd photos and videos as well as statements that seem to indicate that Vazquez wanted to meet up with the girl after the season was over for sex.
According to Passan, Vazquez has been placed on administrative leave as a result of his arrest.
Pittsburgh Pirates closer Felipe Vazquez is being put on administrative leave by Major League Baseball following his arrest for solicitation of a child, sources tell ESPN.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) September 17, 2019
We will keep you updated as this story develops.
***UPDATE***
According to this local report, it appears that Vazquez has been denied bond and there is an expectation from the judge that more charges are going to be filed against him.
Bond was denied for Felipe Vazquez. The judge says he expects more charges to be filed.
— Chris Hoffman (@NewsmanChris) September 17, 2019