Wander Franco is set to be formally charged with sexual exploitation of minors

MLB

From Christian Arnold

Authorities in the Dominican Republic plan to file formal allegations against Rays shortstop Wander Franco related to an alleged relationship with a 14-year-old girl that began in December 2022, according to a new report.

The report by the Dominican newspaper El Nuevo Diario shows that Franco is accused of commercial sexual exploitation of a minor.

The troubling situation came to light last summer when photos of Franco and the girl circulated on social media and Franco was placed on administrative leave in August, which he resumed at the start of the 2024 baseball season.

The Associated Press previously reported that Franco would be charged by prosecutors with sexual and psychological abuse and kidnapping.

The money laundering and sexual exploitation charges were dismissed in January when Franco was released from prison after a week in custody – after failing to comply with a request from prosecutors to speak to them.

Last month, ESPN reported that a judge in the Dominican Republic had rejected a request from Franco’s lawyers to end mandatory police checks on the 30th of each month and return his bail of 2 million Dominican pesos, the equivalent of about $34,000. Dollar.

Judge Pascual Francisco Abreu Venezuela said in a legal document rejecting the requests that it “must be rejected in its entirety since the measure imposed has a purpose. This is to ensure the presence of the defendant in the trial.”

Prosecutors have until July to file formal charges against the Rays player, who has not appeared in an MLB game since allegedly dating the then-14-year-old girl on Aug. 13.

MLB initially placed Franco on the restricted list before placing him on administrative leave.

Franco was technically reinstated to the Rays’ roster after the season – administrative leave only applies during the season – but was placed back on administrative leave on March 28.

He is still receiving his $2 million salary and regardless of the legal ramifications in the Dominican Republic, Franco could still face possible disciplinary action from the MLB.

It is likely that MLB will not take action until prosecutors resolve the matter in Franco’s home country.