Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Wander Franco was arrested Monday and charged with “commercial sexual exploitation” after reportedly failing to appear for a citation last week in the Dominican Republic.
Franco is under investigation on suspicion of having multiple inappropriate relationships with minors.
On December 28, the athlete did not appear for a meeting with prosecutors who are investigating him for allegedly having a relationship with an underage girl.
Tampa Bay Rays No. 5 Wander Franco watches from the dugout during the bottom of the third inning against the Oakland Athletics on April 8, 2023 at Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, Florida. (Kevin Savitas/Getty Images)
Prosecutors say they have obtained evidence from Franco's social media posts that suggest the player had a relationship with an underage girl.
Major League Baseball suspended Franco in August following accusations in the Dominican Republic. However, his salary will continue to be paid while the investigation continues. The league has not announced whether it plans to take further disciplinary action against the player.
Franco stopped traveling with the team in August after authorities announced an investigation.
However, after several attacks on his home, he went missing.
Wander Franco, No. 5 shortstop of the Tampa Bay Rays, pitches to Zach Short of the Detroit Tigers at first base in the bottom of the sixth inning at Comerica Park in Detroit, Michigan on August 5, 2023. (Duane Burleson/Getty Images)
Well, according to Associated PressAfter Franco did not show up for a scheduled meeting on Monday, authorities detained him and he remains in custody.
Franco currently has an 11-year contract extension worth $182 million due in November 2021. His last appearance on the MLB All-Star Gem was last year.
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