Wander Franco, the shortstop for the Tampa Bay Rays, has been arrested in connection with accusations involving a relationship with a minor.
In the Dominican Republic’s capital of Santo Domingo, Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Wander Franco was arrested on Monday following an interrogation by prosecutors who are investigating allegations of his involvement in a relationship with a minor. An official from the prosecutor’s office in Puerto Plata province revealed this information.
Franco, accompanied by two attorneys, presented himself before the prosecutors after missing a meeting with prosecutor Olga Diná Llaverías a few days earlier. The interview, lasting nearly three hours, took place after Llaverías initially requested Franco’s appearance on December 28. This request followed visits by prosecutors and police to two of Franco’s properties in Baní, his hometown located approximately 37 miles southwest of the capital. However, he was not found at his residence during these visits.
Due to the involvement of a minor, authorities have disclosed minimal details about the case. According to Dominican law, Franco must be brought before a judge within 24 hours. Franco’s U.S. attorney, Jay Reisinger, declined to comment, and attempts to contact Franco’s attorneys in the Dominican Republic were unsuccessful.
In August, the Dominican Republic’s prosecutors’ office initiated an investigation into Franco based on his social media posts, suggesting a relationship with a minor.
Following the investigation, Major League Baseball placed Franco on administrative leave in August, adhering to its joint policy with the players’ association addressing domestic violence, sexual assault, and child abuse. Franco continued to receive compensation and service time during this administrative leave. The conclusion of MLB’s investigation and any potential disciplinary actions remain uncertain at this time.
