SOURCE SPORT: TB Rays SS Wander Franco charged with sexual abuse of 14-year-old girl

Authorities in the Dominican Republic yesterday (July 9) officially charged Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Wander Franco with sexual and psychological abuse of a 14-year-old girl.

Prosecutors decided to file charges four days after the original July 5 deadline, six months after a judge ordered Franco to be investigated for sexually abusing minors.

Attorney General’s Office spokeswoman Nairobi Viloria confirmed that prosecutors had submitted the final charges to a judge, but did not provide further details on the charges. Prosecutors allege that the minor’s mother, who is currently under house arrest, was paid thousands of dollars to consent to the relationship, which lasted four months.

The 23-year-old is currently on leave from Major League Baseball until July 14.

Franco’s attorney, Jay Reisinger, said he could not comment because Franco has not received formal notification of any charges. Tampa Bay’s All-Star shortstop has not played since Aug. 12 while MLB continues its investigation into the allegations.

Franco signed an 11-year, $182 million contract in November 2021.