Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Wander Franco is facing formal charges of sexual abuse and sexual exploitation against a minor in the Dominican Republic. The allegations have kept him away from the Rays for almost a year, with ongoing investigations surrounding the case.
According to ESPN’s Juan Recio, Franco has been on administrative leave since last August when accusations of a relationship with an underage girl surfaced on social media. He has not played a game for the Rays since Aug. 12, and his administrative leave has been extended through July 14 by Major League Baseball.
The initial complaint was filed with Dominican authorities on July 17, with additional girls coming forward with similar allegations since then. The age of consent in the Dominican Republic is 18 years old.
Franco was summoned by Dominican authorities in December but failed to appear for a meeting with the Specialized Prosecutor’s Office for Children and Adolescents. This resulted in his arrest and a search of his residence in Baní. He was released on parole and required to make monthly visits to a judge.
Facing potential imprisonment of up to five years if found guilty, Franco is also under investigation by MLB, which could lead to a suspension. Despite making the All-Star team in 2023 and signing a lucrative contract with the Rays in 2021, Franco was removed from the team’s roster before the start of this season.
The case continues to unfold as authorities work to determine the appropriate legal and professional consequences for Wander Franco.