Former baseball star John Wetteland arrested for making child perform sexual acts on him

Former Dodgers pitcher John Wetteland has been arrested for allegedly assaulting a child under 14 years of age in Texas. 

The Associated Press reported that the 52-year-old was taken into custody on Monday. However, he was released the same day on a $25,000 bond. According to the news agency, Bartonville Police Department Chief Bobby Dowell said an investigation into the incident was launched last week after the department received a call from the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services, according to People.  

Wetteland was arrested after authorities looked into the allegations. Dowell, however, declined to share further details about the case due to the nature of the crime and impending investigation.

According to an affidavit filed on January 15 that was obtained by NBC5 in Dallas-Fort Worth, the alleged sexual abuse began in 2004, when Wetteland allegedly had a child perform a sexual act on him. The affidavit also states the abuse took place more than once between 2004 and 2006 at his residence in Bartonville, the accuser claims.

The former athlete is yet to comment or release a statement with respect to the allegations. An attorney who could speak on his behalf could not be found immediately.

According to USA Today, Wetteland's first-degree felony charge carries a maximum life sentence with a minimum of 25 years in prison. The all-star pitcher won a World Series championship with the New York Yankees in 1996 and was named the MVP. He spent most of his 12-year major league career primarily as a closer.

He became the Rangers' all-time saves leader with a count of 150 and spent his final four seasons with the franchise before he was inducted into their Hall of Fame in 2005. “The Texas Rangers have been made aware of this situation and have no further comment,“ his former club said in a statement.

Wetteland went on to coach the Seattle Mariners and the Washington Nationals after his official retirement.