MLB's Felipe Vázquez Sentenced For Sexual Assault Of 13-Year-Old: Report

BY Erika Marie 3.4K Views
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Felipe Vazquez
The former Pirates pitcher reportedly admitted to having an inappropriate relationship with the teen.

A case that was first revealed back in 2019 is nearing a close. We previously reported on former Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Felipe Vázquez facing accusations of soliciting and sexually assaulting a 13-year-old in 2017, and it is now being reported that the 30-year-old will serve prison time for his crimes.

The Florida Department of Law Enforcement released a statement about the case, stating that Vázquez was initially arrested for "one count of computer pornography - solicitation of a child and one count of providing obscene material to minors."

The department also said that Vázquez and the teen had a "reported sexual relationship" and continued to engage one another via texts. Much of their communication was reportedly of Vázquez attempting to arrange meet-ups for sexual encounters. Their interactions were only discovered after the girl's mother found photos of Vázquez on her daughter's devices.

In May, Vázquez was convicted of 15 counts and was sentenced to serve two to four years in the state penitentiary. CBS News reports that Vázquez still faces "additional punishment" in Missouri and Florida "related to this same case." He has been in jail for 23 months after reportedly admitting to authorities that he traded nude photos with the young girl and drove an hour to see her in order to have sex with her.

It is unclear if he will be credited for time served.

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About The Author
Since 2019, Erika Marie has worked as a journalist for HotNewHipHop, covering music, film, television, art, fashion, politics, and all things regarding entertainment. With 20 years in the industry under her belt, Erika Marie moved from a writer on the graveyard shift at HNHH to becoming a Features Editor, highlighting long-form content and interviews with some of Hip Hop’s biggest stars. She has had the pleasure of sitting down with artists and personalities like DJ Jazzy Jeff, Salt ’N Pepa, Nick Cannon, Rah Digga, Rakim, Rapsody, Ari Lennox, Jacquees, Roxanne Shante, Yo-Yo, Sean Paul, Raven Symoné, Queen Naija, Ryan Destiny, DreamDoll, DaniLeigh, Sean Kingston, Reginae Carter, Jason Lee, Kamaiyah, Rome Flynn, Zonnique, Fantasia, and Just Blaze—just to name a few. In addition to one-on-one chats with influential public figures, Erika Marie also covers content connected to the culture. She’s attended and covered the BET Awards as well as private listening parties, the Rolling Loud festival, and other events that emphasize established and rising talents. Detroit-born and Long Beach (CA)-raised, Erika Marie has eclectic music taste that often helps direct the interests she focuses on here at HNHH. She finds it necessary to report on cultural conversations with respect and honor those on the mic and the hardworking teams that help get them there. Moreover, as an advocate for women, Erika Marie pays particular attention to the impact of femcees. She sits down with rising rappers for HNHH—like Big Jade, Kali, Rubi Rose, Armani Caesar, Amy Luciani, and Omerettà—to gain their perspectives on a fast-paced industry.