Judge denies ankle monitor request for Terrion Arnold
Pretrial Release Conditions Upheld
A Hillsborough County judge on Friday denied a request to mandate an ankle monitor for former Detroit Lions cornerback Terrion Arnold while he awaits trial. Arnold faces charges of armed robbery and kidnapping. Prosecutors had sought a reconsideration of his bond conditions following his recent release from the Detroit Lions.
The virtual hearing addressed Arnold’s pretrial release. The state filed a motion to reconsider the condition of GPS monitoring after Arnold was released by the Lions last week, shortly after his bond was granted. Prosecutors argued that the original judge did not require GPS monitoring because it would interfere with Arnold’s ability to play or practice football.
Assistant State Attorney Kevin Riley stated that the initial judge provided a significant benefit to Arnold due to the unique nature of his employment, which he no longer holds. However, the judge ultimately ruled that the change in Arnold’s employment status was not substantial enough to alter his bond conditions and require GPS monitoring.
Defense Arguments and NFL Interest
Arnold’s attorney, Harvey Steinberg, contended that his client’s employment status was only one factor in the original bond determination. Steinberg highlighted that other defendants in the case were charged around the time of the incident, while Arnold remained free for months without any suggestion of threatening, harming, controlling, or contacting alleged victims.
Steinberg also argued that Arnold is not considered a flight risk and that the purpose of bond and an ankle monitor should not be punitive. He further explained that Arnold’s release from the Lions was a financial decision. Arnold’s agent, Nicole Lynn, who was also present at the virtual hearing, testified that four NFL teams had contacted her within 24 hours of Arnold’s release.
Lynn indicated that Arnold had a visit with one team two days prior to the hearing and another visit scheduled for the following week. She stressed that an ankle monitor would complicate these visits and workouts. According to Lynn, there is a strong likelihood that a team will sign Arnold within the next 45 days, but teams have expressed reluctance to sign a player required to wear an ankle bracelet.
The teams that have reportedly inquired about Arnold include the Colts, Jets, Seahawks, and Texans. Lynn testified that Arnold visited and worked out for the Texans. The testimony from Arnold’s agent was presented as evidence to support his position against GPS monitoring, suggesting that his football career prospects remain active.
Ongoing Case Details
The case originates from a February incident involving a theft at an Airbnb in Largo, which police allege Arnold rented earlier in the year. Prosecutors maintain that Arnold orchestrated a violent attack on three individuals to recover stolen valuables. His defense team stated that Arnold was under investigation for nearly five months, cooperated with an attorney, never posed a flight risk, and surrendered immediately upon the issuance of a warrant.
Arnold is one of seven defendants in the case and is the only one to have been granted bond. Judge Jeffrey Rich cited the original judge’s comments when setting bond, noting that Arnold had been under investigation for nearly five months, engaged an attorney, did not flee, and immediately turned himself in once a warrant was issued. These factors contributed to the decision to deny the prosecution’s motion for GPS monitoring.
The other conditions of Arnold’s bond remain in effect. He is confined to his home, with exceptions for work and legal appointments. Two of the other six defendants have already entered guilty pleas, while the remaining co-defendants are being held without bond. Officials have not yet confirmed specific dates for Arnold’s upcoming trial or future court depositions.
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Source: fox13news.com
