Terrion Arnold calls Florida police to report robbery
Detroit Lions cornerback Terrion Arnold has had multiple conversations with police in Florida, claiming about $250,000 in belongings were taken from his rental home.
Detroit Lions cornerback Terrion Arnold turned himself in to Florida authorities after a warrant was issued for his arrest in connection with a robbery and kidnapping in Tampa, according to the Florida Attorney’s Office in Hillsborough County.
The Florida Attorney’s Office announced in a press release on Wednesday, June 24, that Arnold faces “multiple felony charges that carry the potential for up to life in prison.”
“Arnold is accused of coordinating and directing his co-defendants…to lure three men to an apartment where the victim was robbed, beaten, and held at gunpoint,” the press release states.
The Lions cornerback initially reported to Largo police that he had been the victim of a theft in which $200,000 in “personal property” was stolen from an Airbnb owned by Arnold, according to the release. According to the investigation results cited in a press release from the State Attorney’s Office, Arnold began plotting retaliation with others within hours of filing the theft report with police.
“No one has the right to take the law into their own hands,” State Attorney Susie Lopez said in a statement. “Disputes over lost property do not justify kidnapping, violence, or retaliation. This arrest is the result of months of investigative work and cooperation between Tampa police and prosecutors.”
Arnold and his four co-defendants are currently being held in jail without bail, according to the release.
“We will continue to hold all victims accountable for their roles in this crime and seek justice for all three victims,” Lopez said in a statement.
In February, Arnold’s name appeared in court documents related to a Florida kidnapping robbery case. In a statement at the time, he said he had “no involvement whatsoever.” Criminal defense attorney R. Timothy Jansen told the Detroit Free Press, part of the USA TODAY Network, in February that charges were not filed against Arnold “after direct communication with the lead prosecutor.”
“Terion Arnold categorically denies any involvement in the matters underlying the allegations against him and maintains his innocence,” Dennis White, CEO of EAG Sports Management, said in a statement to USA TODAY Sports. “No reliable evidence exists linking Mr. Arnold to these allegations. Instead, the government appears to be relying on testimony from multiple convicted felons who may have acknowledged their involvement and have substantial motivation to shift responsibility in order to reduce their sentences.”
“Mr. Arnold looks forward to his day in court and is confident that the judicial process will lead to his ultimate exoneration.”
The Lions released a statement to USA TODAY Sports on the night of June 24 regarding Arnold’s arrest.
“We are aware of the legal situation regarding Terion Arnold,” a team spokesperson said in a statement. “Out of respect for the ongoing legal process, we will not comment at this time.”
Del Valle and Randazzo are the other two defendants not listed as co-defendants who are currently incarcerated with Arnold. Del Valle and Randazzo “pleaded guilty to their roles in the crime” during a June 24 hearing, according to a statement from the Florida Attorney’s Office for Hillsborough County.
Randazzo was sentenced to four years in prison, followed by six years of probation. “Del Valle has made a public statement in court and sentencing will be adjourned to a later date.”
As part of their plea agreements, both men are required to testify truthfully “in all future proceedings related to this case.”
Arnold is accused of coordinating an alleged robbery and kidnapping plot in February that involved three victims and robbed them of $200,000 in personal property.
Three people were allegedly lured to an apartment, where they were pistol-whipped and held at gunpoint, according to a Tampa police report obtained by the Detroit Free Press. They were questioned about their role in the theft of Arnold’s items, and one of the suspects allegedly filmed the incident on FaceTime.
Arnold, a first-round pick of the Lions in the 2024 NFL Draft, is still on his rookie contract with Detroit. He was scheduled for the third of four seasons under his original contract, which also included a club option for a fifth year that considered Arnold a first-round pick.
Here are the details:
- semester: 4 years (plus 5 year option)
- Total value: $14.3 million
- Annual average value (AAV): $3.59 million
- Deposit: $14.3 million
Arnold’s rookie contract is worth a fully guaranteed $14.3 million with four years plus a club option for the fifth year. The cornerback will enter his third season of the contract in 2026, meaning he will be eligible for an extension after next season.
The Lions have until next spring to exercise the fifth-year option in Arnold’s contract, which would keep him on his current contract through the 2028 season.
This story will be updated as new information becomes available.
Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press contributed to this report.
