$1 million bond set for Lions cornerback Terrion Arnold in kidnapping and assault case
A Florida judge set bail at $1 million for Detroit Lions player Monday Terrion Arnoldwho He is accused of organizing the kidnapping and beating He is one of three men who prosecutors believe falsely suspected him of stealing luxury goods and $100,000 in cash.
Prosecutors had sought to hold the cornerman without bail because of the eight felony charges he faces, including four counts each of kidnapping and assault. But Chief Circuit Court Judge Christopher Sabella granted Arnold bail, which would not require him to wear an ankle monitor because it would prevent him from taking the field for games and practices.
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The judge said there was already a “paparazzi monitor,” referring to photographers monitoring Arnold’s movements.
“If he shows up on a beach in Tahiti, it’s going to be on social media,” Sabella said at the end of his bail hearing in Tampa.
Sabella said that although the charges are serious (each could lead to a life sentence if Arnold is convicted), prosecutors are “not there yet” when it comes to presenting a strong case for Arnold’s guilt.
The judge ordered Arnold to remain at his home in Tallahassee except when he plays, practices and travels with the Lions. He also said Arnold could not contact others connected to the case.
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Prosecutors allege Arnold gun-whipped and beat three of his teenage men, including his driver, while they were held at gunpoint in a Tampa apartment after luxury items and cash were reported stolen from an Airbnb in the area in February. Prosecutors allege Arnold initially planned the kidnappings by telling others he thought he knew who was stealing from him and wanted to confront them.
“Our office remains committed to seeking justice for the three victims in the case who were beaten, robbed and held against their will,” said Erin Maloney, a spokeswoman for the state attorney’s office.
EAG Sports Management CEO Denise White, who represented Arnold, said the judge’s decision “confirmed that there was little evidence of Mr Arnold’s involvement in any criminal offence”.
