Authorities in the Dominican Republic are planning to file formal charges against Rays shortstop Wander Franco stemming from his alleged relationship with a 14-year-old girl that began in December 2022, according to a new report.
report of This was reported by the Dominican newspaper El Nuevo Diario. Franco will be charged with commercial sexual exploitation of a minor.
The disturbing situation came to light last summer when photos of Franco and the girl circulated on social media, and Franco was placed on administrative leave in August, but will return when the 2024 baseball season begins.
The Associated Press previously reported that prosecutors plan to indict Franco on charges of sexual and psychological abuse and kidnapping.
Charges of money laundering and sexual exploitation were dismissed in January when Franco, who had been in custody for a week, was released after failing to respond to prosecutors’ summons to meet with them.
Last month, ESPN report A judge in the Dominican Republic has rejected a request by Franco’s lawyers to halt mandatory police interrogations on the 30th day of each month and to return the 2 million Dominican pesos (approximately $34,000) bail. revealed.
“The measures imposed have a purpose and must be rejected in their entirety,” Venezuelan judge Pascual Francisco Abreu said in a legal document rejecting the request. This is to ensure the presence of the accused. ”
Prosecutors have until July to file formal charges against the Rays player, who has not appeared in an MLB game since his alleged relationship with the then-14-year-old girl on Aug. 13. .
MLB first placed Franco on the restricted list before placing him on administrative leave.
Although Franco technically returned to the Rays’ roster after the season, administrative leave only applies during the season, he was placed back on administrative leave on March 28.
He is still being paid $2 million in salary, and regardless of the legal ramifications in the Dominican Republic, Franco could still face disciplinary action from MLB.
There probably won’t be any action from MLB until prosecutors resolve the situation in Franco’s home country.
