Tampa Bay Rays' Wander Franco watches a baseball game on August 13, 2023, in St. Petersburg, Florida. Franco's arrest on January 1, 2024, in the Dominican Republic, is linked to an investigation by prosecutors regarding an alleged involvement with a minor, as stated by an official from the Puerto Plata province prosecutor’s office. (AP Photo/Chris O’Meara, File)
The Dominican Republic Authorities have confirmed the arrest of Tampa Bay Rays’ shortstop, Wander Franco, on Monday following his interview with prosecutors regarding complaints of inappropriate relationships with young girls, as revealed by a source to ESPN.
Legal Proceedings and Custody
Franco is currently in custody, awaiting a court appearance later this week, according to reports from The Associated Press and ESPN, citing an unnamed official from the prosecutor’s office in Puerto Plata, a city on the northern coast of the Dominican Republic.
Allegations and Investigations
No formal criminal charges against Franco have been announced as of now. The 22-year-old is anticipated to appear before a judge on Wednesday for arraignment, according to baseball journalist Héctor Gómez, who also posted a photograph of Franco alongside his legal team.
The Major League Baseball (MLB) and the Tampa Bay Rays declined to provide comments on Monday.
Details of Complaints Against Franco
Franco faces at least two complaints accusing him of inappropriate relationships with minors, with an additional investigation involving a third minor, as reported by ESPN. Notably, the third girl has not communicated with authorities in the Dominican Republic, Franco’s home country.
Franco’s Career Milestones Amidst Challenges
Franco, at 22, was placed on the restricted list last August after allegations surfaced on social media. He subsequently entered paid administrative leave when MLB initiated its investigation. This inquiry is ongoing alongside a parallel investigation by Dominican authorities.
In spite of these challenges, Franco achieved a career milestone by making the American League All-Star team for the first time in 2023. The shortstop, who vehemently denies all allegations, was amid his best season as a major leaguer, boasting a .281 batting average, 17 home runs, and 30 stolen bases in 112 games when the allegations emerged.
Reinstatement and Contract Status
Franco secured an 11-year, $182 million contract with the Rays in November 2021. The team reinstated him to the 40-man roster last month, as administrative leave only applies during the regular season. He will continue to receive compensation and accumulate service time while away from the team.
