A former NFL player from Valdosta was arrested in Florida on Wednesday after allegedly having sex with an underage girl multiple times.
Telvin Smith, 29, who most recently played linebacker for the Jacksonville Jaguars, was taken into custody at his home and booked into the Duval County Jail shortly before 5:30 p.m., ESPN reported.
He is charged with one count of unlawful sexual activity with certain minors.
Smith’s warrant shows he is accused of having sex with a 17-year-old girl on multiple occasions, both at his Jacksonville home and inside his Cadillac Escalade, according to multiple media reports.
Authorities said the teenager's DNA was recovered from Smith's SUV, which was collected as evidence in December, Jacksonville-based WTLV reported.
According to the news station, the former NFL player met the girl at her job last summer and took several pictures with her. She and a coworker both testified that Smith knew how old she was at the time because she told him she had just celebrated her 17th birthday, according to his arrest warrants.
He also reportedly offered the teen money after one sexual encounter and instructed her not to tell anyone about their relationship or he could go to jail, according to his warrant. Instead, he told her to say he was serving as her “mentor” if anyone asked, authorities said.
In Florida, it is a second-degree felony for anyone 24 or older to engage in sexual activity with someone who is 16 or 17, ESPN reported.
Smith has since been released from jail after posting a $50,000 bond.
FLASHBACK: FSU linebacker Telvin Smith visiting Falcons
In a statement, the Jacksonville Jaguars said the team is aware of the charges involving the former linebacker, but unable to comment on the ongoing investigation.
The Valdosta native attended Lowndes High School before playing college football at Florida State. He was selected by the Jaguars in the fifth round of the 2014 draft.
In his five NFL seasons, Smith recorded 586 tackles, nine interceptions and 7.5 sacks through 76 games. Three of those interceptions were returned for touchdowns.
The team reached the AFC Championship game in January 2018 but lost to the New England Patriots 24-20.
In May 2019, Smith announced on social media that he would not play last season, saying he needed to take time off for his family and his health, ESPN reported. He was placed on the team’s reserve/retired list before training camp began in July.
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