Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic – Major League Baseball player Wander Franco from the Tampa Bay Rays faces serious charges of sexual abuse and sexual exploitation involving a minor in the Dominican Republic. The Puerto Plata District Office Prosecutor and the Attorney General’s Office spokesperson confirmed the formal accusations against Franco, following a complaint filed on July 10, 2023. The allegations stem from an alleged relationship Franco had with a 14-year-old girl in December 2022.
Initially accused of commercial sexual exploitation and money laundering, Franco now faces charges of sexual and psychological abuse. Prosecutors presented a nearly 600-page document to the judge, containing evidence of interviews with the minor and messages exchanged between Franco and the girl. Franco’s attorney in the United States noted that they had not received formal notification of the charges and refrained from commenting further.
In response to the ongoing criminal case, Major League Baseball and the MLB Players Association extended Franco’s administrative leave, allowing time for Dominican authorities to proceed. A separate investigation by MLB remains pending until the resolution of the criminal charges. Franco, who signed a lucrative contract extension in 2021, could potentially face significant consequences if found guilty of the alleged crimes.
The case against Franco has drawn widespread attention and scrutiny, raising concerns about the conduct of professional athletes and the protection of minors. As the legal process unfolds, stakeholders in the baseball community closely monitor the developments surrounding one of the sport’s promising young talents. With the seriousness of the accusations at hand, the outcome of Franco’s case could have far-reaching implications for both his career and the broader sports industry.