Tampa Bay Rays’ Wander Franco faces another arrest in Dominican Republic, reports indicate
Wander Franco, the All-Star shortstop for the Tampa Bay Rays who is currently on MLB’s restricted list while awaiting trial for sex abuse charges in the Dominican Republic, was reportedly arrested for a second time on Sunday following an incident where guns were drawn.
The 23-year-old Franco and an unnamed woman were taken into custody on Sunday in San Juan de la Maguana, approximately 115 miles northwest of Santo Domingo, according to ESPN, and are being held for further questioning.
Franco has not participated in any games for the Rays since August 2023, when allegations of having an inappropriate relationship with a then-14-year-old surfaced in the Dominican Republic. He was subsequently placed on administrative leave and later added to MLB’s restricted list this year after being ordered to face trial for charges that include sexual abuse, sexual exploitation of a minor, and human trafficking.
His trial related to these prior charges is scheduled to commence on December 12.
A spokesperson for MLB acknowledged awareness of the reports concerning Franco’s latest arrest but has chosen not to make any comments at this time.
Franco risks facing up to 20 years in prison on the existing charges and is still under investigation by MLB for breaches of its policies regarding domestic violence, sexual assault, and child abuse.
Having earned a spot on his first All-Star team in July 2023, he was in the midst of an 11-year, $182 million contract when he was placed on administrative leave. While awaiting trial, he is prohibited from leaving the Dominican Republic.