Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Wander Franco has been formally charged with sexual abuse and sexual exploitation against a minor in the Dominican Republic, according to ESPNs Juan Recio.
Franco has been away from the Rays for nearly a year now after allegations first surfaced last August.
Big news out of the Dominican Republic from ESPN’s @JuanRecioM: Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Wander Franco has been formally charged with sexual abuse and sexual exploitation against a minor. https://t.co/GCDsSqrnsG
Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) July 10, 2024
Major League Baseball placed Franco on administrative leave last August shortly after allegations that he had engaged in inappropriate relationships with minors first surfaced on social media. A complaint was reportedly made against him in the Dominican Republic in July 2023, and at least two other girls later came forward with similar accusations.
Franco was summoned back to the Dominican Republic in December, but he failed to show up to meet with prosecutors which prompted his arrest and a search of his hometown residence in Baní.
Charges were not filed immediately, and Franco had to keep checking in with court officials monthly. He is now facing up to five years in prison if found guilty.
Franco signed an 11-year, $182 million deal with the Rays in 2021, though he was officially removed from the Rays 40-man roster before Opening Day this season.
This post will be updated with more information shortly.