Rays’ Wander Franco charged with sexual abuse and sexual exploitation of a minor in the Dominican Republic, according to report

Rays shortstop Wander Franco has been formally charged in the Dominican Republic with sexual abuse and sexual exploitation of a minor, ESPN reports. Allegations about Franco’s behavior first surfaced last August, and he has been under investigation by the Dominican government ever since.

Franco last played a game for the Rays on Aug. 12, 2023. He has been on leave since then and recently had his leave extended through July 14 so the league could conduct the legal process. Being on leave means Franco has not been on the Rays’ roster, but he will continue to be paid. He is in the third year of an 11-year, $182 million contract, but Major League Baseball can suspend Franco without pay – likely after the legal process is complete – under its common domestic violence policy.

Last August, allegations came to light that Franco was in a relationship with a 14-year-old girl. According to prosecutors, the 23-year-old infielder offered the girl’s mother money and a car to get her to agree to the relationship.

He was arrested in early January and released on bail for approximately $34,000.

Prosecutors accused Franco of “kidnapping the minor from her home in Puerto Plata in December 2022 and having a four-month relationship with her with the consent of the girl’s mother,” the Associated Press reported in January.

In September 2023, authorities raided the girl’s mother’s home and seized 800,000 Dominican pesos (US$13,700) and US$68,500 allegedly hidden behind a frame. They also found a guarantee certificate from a local bank for 2.1 million Dominican pesos (US$36,000), which they said was issued by Franco for the “commercial and sexual exploitation” of the girl.

They also seized a Suzuki Swift valued at $26,600, according to the document. Authorities discovered that the teen’s mother had the equivalent of $821 in her bank account days before purchasing the car.

Franco made the All-Star team for the first time last season and was one of MLB’s brightest young stars prior to the allegations and now the formal indictment. As previously mentioned, MLB may pursue disciplinary action against him outside of the outcome of the indictment in the Dominican Republic.