Pittsburgh Pirates closer Felipe Vazquez is facing additional charges for allegedly sexually assaulting an underage girl — whom he met three years ago on social media.
The All-Star pitcher is charged in Pennsylvania with statutory sexual assault, unlawful contact with a minor, corruption of minors and indecent assault of a person less than 16 years old, according to CBS Pittsburgh.
Vazquez was busted Tuesday in Pittsburgh on a felony warrant out of Lee County, Florida, charging him with solicitation of a child and providing obscene material to minors.
The new charges emerged Tuesday afternoon as the 28-year-old was arraigned in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, and denied bail.
Authorities in the Sunshine State launched a probe last month after getting a tip that Vazquez was engaged in a “sexual relationship with a 13-year-old female.”
He and the teen, now 15, allegedly met via social media and began talking over the last three years, according to court documents obtained by CBS.
“I can’t wait to see you during the off season,” Vazquez allegedly texted the girl. The message and others were discovered by the teen’s mother.
The alleged victim told investigators that Vazquez once drove her to her home in Pennsylvania and tried to pull down her pants while inside the car. He allegedly put the teen on his lap and tried to have sex with her.
The two also met at PNC Park, the Pirates’ stadium, and snapped photos together outside the bullpen.
The incidents happened sometime between July 29 and Aug. 1 and were reported Aug. 5.
Vazquez is accused of sending a video to the girl showing him performing a sex act in July. Investigators were able to identify him in the video by comparing his tattoos.
Authorities executed a search warrant on his Strip District apartment on Railroad Street and seized several electronic devices.
Vazquez, who was placed on leave by the Pirates, is being held in the Allegheny County Jail in Pittsburgh and faces extradition to Florida.
“We’re in the process of reviewing the charges that have been brought at this time and any comment would be premature,” said his lawyer Michael Comber.