Lions' Terrion Arnold's name referenced in texts tied to robbery, kidnapping plot

Arnold has not been charged, but his name appeared in text exchanges planning an armed robbery and kidnapping in Tampa, Florida

Mar. 27, 2026 at 2:48pm

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Detroit Lions cornerback Terrion Arnold's name appeared in text exchanges plotting an armed robbery and kidnapping in Tampa, Florida in February, court records show. Arnold has not been charged and did not send or receive any of the text messages discovered by investigators, but his name was referenced multiple times in the exchanges between the alleged perpetrators.

Why it matters

This case raises questions about the potential involvement of professional athletes in criminal activities, as well as the broader issue of athlete accountability and the responsibility of teams and leagues to monitor the off-field conduct of their players.

The details

The text messages, obtained by The Athletic, were part of an alleged effort to lure three people to an apartment in retaliation for alleged thefts at Arnold's rental in Largo, Florida. Prosecutors have charged six people with armed robbery and kidnapping, including Boakai Eugene Hilton, who they say planned the ambush while with Arnold. The text messages referenced Arnold's name multiple times and indicated that he and his friends decided to 'take matters into their own hands' regarding the thefts at his rental property.

  • On February 3, Arnold called the police to report the theft of $100,000 in cash, an $80,000 necklace and other possessions from his rental property.
  • Two hours later, the alleged robbery and kidnapping of Yan Lopez, Arnold's hired private driver, Daniel Tenesaca, a barber and friend of Lopez, and Soljah Anderson occurred in Tampa.

The players

Terrion Arnold

A cornerback for the Detroit Lions who was the team's 2024 first-round draft pick and attended high school in Florida.

Boakai Eugene Hilton

A 23-year-old man who prosecutors say planned the ambush while with Arnold.

Jasmine Randazzo

A 19-year-old woman who engaged in text messages discussing how to persuade one of the victims to come to her apartment.

Arianna Del Valle

An 18-year-old woman who engaged in text messages with Randazzo about the plan and referenced 'terrion' multiple times.

Yan Lopez

Arnold's hired private driver who was one of the victims of the alleged robbery and kidnapping.

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What they’re saying

“We have not yet been provided with the text messages in question, and it would be inappropriate to comment on isolated excerpts without first reviewing them in their full context. We are aware that law enforcement has conducted an extensive investigation, as reflected in the 49-page criminal information. Notably, our client has not been charged, and based on the evidence currently known, we do not anticipate that any charges will be brought against him. Importantly, there is no evidence, nor any witness testimony, indicating that our client had any involvement.”

— Tim Jensen, Attorney for Terrion Arnold

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Boakai Eugene Hilton out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights the potential risks and consequences for professional athletes who may associate with individuals involved in criminal activities, even if the athlete is not directly implicated. It raises questions about the responsibility of teams and leagues to monitor and address off-field conduct of their players.