Former Pittsburgh Pirates Star Expelled From U.S.

PHILADLEPHIA, PA — Former Pirates ace relief pitcher Felipe Vazquez, whose baseball career ended in a sex scandal and prison sentence, has been returned to his native Venezuela by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's Enforcement and Removal Operations.

ERO conducts removals of individuals without a lawful basis to remain in the United States, including at the order of U.S. Justice Department immigration judges. Earlier this year, an immigration judge ordered Vazquez deported to Venezuela.

Vazquez was arrested in 2019 and charged with multiple felonies related to his relationship with a 13-year-old Westmoreland County girl. In 2021, he was found guilty of statutory sexual assault, unlawful contact with a minor-sexual offenses, corruption of minors, indecent assault of a
person less than 16 years of age, and 10 counts related to child sexual abuse material.

Vazquez received a 2-to-4 year prison sentence.

Vazquez's removal "demonstrates ERO Philadelphia’s commitment to protecting U.S. persons from predators regardless of their public persona or status,” ERO Philadelphia Field Office Director Cammilla Wamsley said in a news release.

Vazquez played with the Pirates from 2016 until his arrest, compiling a 15-9 record and 86 saves with a 2.17 earned run average in 227 games. He was named to the National League All-Star Team in 2018 and 2019.