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Pirates Pitcher Felipe Vázquez Facing Additional Local Charges In Sexual Assault Case

GREENSBURG (KDKA) -- Pittsburgh Pirates All-Star closer Felipe Vázquez remains behind bars today, accused of sexually assaulting a teenager he met at PNC Park.

He was arrested Tuesday at his apartment in the Strip District on multiple felony sexual assault-related charges.

A judge denied his bond, and he was sent back to the Allegheny County Jail.

WATCH: State Police News Conference --

BREAKING NEWS: State police in Westmoreland County are announcing charges against Pittsburgh Pirates' closer Felipe Vázquez for the alleged sexual assault of a minor. MORE: https://cbsloc.al/2kQ1JMI

Posted by KDKA-TV | CBS Pittsburgh on Wednesday, September 18, 2019

Authorities in Florida began investigating Vázquez last month after learning of an alleged sexual relationship between he and a 15-year-old girl living in Lee County, Florida.

Now, Vázquez is also facing charges out of Westmoreland County.

According to court paperwork, there was an alleged sexual encounter between the girl and Vázquez two years ago when she was living in Scottsdale.

State police have filed charges of statutory sexual assault, indecent assault and unlawful contact with a minor in connection with the alleged incident. Investigators with state police say they plan to prosecute the case in Pennsylvania.

After his arrest on Tuesday, Vázquez was expected to be extradited to Florida.

Investigators say the girl and Vázquez began communicating on social media in 2017. She told investigators they eventually exchanged phone numbers and began talking that way as well.

According to the criminal complaint, Vázquez admitted to knowing the girl, but couldn't remember her name. He told investigators they exchanged explicit photos, and he "admitted to driving from Pittsburgh to the victim's residence in Scottdale, Pennsylvania, approximately two years ago."

The girl told police he parked at the bottom of her driveway and she got in on the passenger side.

"The original contact, from what we can obtain, took place through a social media interaction. Then, an exchanging of phone numbers to a meeting where Mr. Vázquez took his vehicle and drove it to outside of the victim's residence," said Tpr. Stephen Limani, of Pennsylvania State Police. "The victim then entered into his vehicle, and at that point in time, that's where the sexual intercourse took place. She was 13 at the time when this took place."

Police say he eventually left, telling the girl "he had a game that night."

An incident report from the Lee County Sheriff's Office said Vázquez and the victim met at PNC Park, where they took pictures outside the bullpen.

Vázquez is expected to be arraigned next week.

Stay with KDKA for the latest on this developing story.

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