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Real Salt Lake player accused of sexual activity with teen girl booked into jail

Posted at 5:17 PM, Aug 24, 2017
and last updated 2017-08-24 19:17:51-04

DRAPER, Utah  — A Real Salt Lake player has been booked into jail on a charge of unlawful sexual activity with a minor, and Major League Soccer has suspended him from all soccer related activity.

According to court documents, a warrant was issued Thursday afternoon for the arrest of Ricardo Velazco, 24 of Midvale. He was booked into jail after turning himself into police.

Velazco was charged with one count of unlawful sexual activity with a minor as a third-degree felony.

According to a statement of probable cause, a 15-year-old girl told police she had sexual intercourse with the man in May. The alleged sexual conduct occurred in Draper.

Major League Soccer acknowledged the charges Thursday and stated that Velazco has been suspended from all soccer-related activity. MLS says they and RSL will cooperate fully with authorities and will also conduct their own investigation into the allegations.

Real Salt Lake issued this statement about the charge filed against Velazco:

“With all allegations of a criminal nature, Real Salt Lake policy is to honor the judicial process while cooperating fully with both local authorities as well as the League investigation.

Major League Soccer has now suspended Mr. Velazco from all soccer-related activity, Real Salt Lake will await the outcome of judicial proceedings prior to taking additional action.

RSL will not have further comment during pending legal proceedings.”

Velazco played several seasons with the Real Monarchs and was signed to play with Real Salt Lake in September of last year.

Fox 13 News will update this story as more details emerge.