Terrion Arnold has been dealt a major blow in his legal fight after a co-defendant in the case against the Seattle Seahawks star pleaded guilty on Monday.
Boakai Hilton pleaded guilty to charges of kidnapping and robbery and has been sentenced to 10 years in prison in Florida.
However, as part of his plea deal, Hilton will be required to testify against Arnold in future proceedings. Two other co-defendants have also pleaded guilty.
Arnold, 23, is accused of being the mastermind of a kidnapping and armed robbery plot, for which he is facing a potential life sentence. He has been charged with eight counts in the case.
The rising cornerback is accused of coordinating and directing other co-defendants to lure three men to an apartment, where they were ‘robbed, beaten and held at gunpoint,’ according to state attorneys in Florida.
The victims, who are described as ‘three adult males in their late teens,’ were left with visible injuries after being pistol-whipped. The co-defendants are also accused of stealing the victims’ personal property.
Terrion Arnold has been dealt a major blow in his legal fight after a co-defendant pleaded guilty
Boakai Hilton pleaded guilty to charges of kidnapping and robbery and has been sentenced to 10 years in prison in Florida
Prosecutors claim Arnold orchestrated the plan in retaliation.
As he told police in February, Arnold was allegedly robbed of $250,000 worth of personal items during his stay at an Airbnb property in Largo, Florida. The 2024 first-round draft pick claimed he lost $100,000 in cash, an $80,000 necklace and a cellphone issued to him by the Lions.
However, prosecutors claim, there is no evidence proving Arnold’s alleged victims were the individuals who robbed him back in February.
Arnold is specifically accused of orchestrating the kidnapping and robbery ‘just hours’ after reporting the missing items to the Largo (Florida) Police Department.
He has denied the allegations through his agent, Denise White of EAG Sports Management, who said her client ‘maintains his innocence’ and ‘categorically denies any involvement.’
‘There is no credible evidence linking Mr. Arnold to these allegations,’ read White’s statement. ‘Instead, the government appears to be relying on testimony from multiple convicted felons who have admitted their own involvement and may have substantial incentives to shift blame in an effort to lessen their sentences.
‘Mr. Arnold looks forward to his day in court and is confident that the judicial process will lead to his ultimate vindication.’
Despite facing a slew of eight felonies, Arnold was handed a lifeline after signing with the Super Bowl champion Seahawks in August.
The former Alabama product was placed on the commissioner’s exempt list, however, meaning he is ineligible to play or practice with the team.
Arnold is accused of being the mastermind of a kidnapping and armed robbery plot in Florida
Arnold was cut by Detroit on the same day a judge set the NFL star’s bail at $1 million and allowed him to practice and play for a team as he awaits trial.
He has been at the Seahawks’ facility in Renton and can work out with the team and attend meetings but cannot practice or play.
Prosecutors previously requested Arnold be fitted with an ankle monitor, but his attorneys argued he would be unable to play football with this device and the judge agreed.
The Lions took Arnold in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft, held in Detroit. He has now become the first player selected in the first round from that year’s draft to be released by his team.
Arnold has played in 24 games, with 22 starts, over his two years with the Lions. He managed one interception, against the Minnesota Vikings in November 2025, and has defended 18 passes.
