Wander Franco, Rays’ Rising Star, Faces Legal Storm Over Alleged Involvement with Minor

Puerto Plata prosecutor says Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Wander Franco was jailed Monday in the Dominican Republic after being investigated for contact with a juvenile.

Rays shortstop Wander Franco reportedly arrested amid allegations of relationship with minor (Photo: Google)

Franco faces prosecutors after missing minor case appointment

Rays SS After missing a meeting with prosecutor Olga Diná Llaverías, Wander Franco, and two counsel appeared before Dominican Republic prosecutors.

After inspecting two properties in Franco’s hometown of Baní, prosecutors and police conducted a three-hour interview. On December 28, authorities sought his presence but found him elsewhere.

Little is known because the minor is involved. Under Dominican law, Franco must appear in court within 24 hours. Franco’s Dominican Republic lawyers and U.S. attorney Jay Reisinger declined to comment.

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MLB Probe and Franco’s Administrative Leave Career Uncertainty

The Dominican Republic investigated Franco on August 14 after his social media posts suggested a child connection. Despite unverified tweets, Major League Baseball (MLB) placed Franco on administrative leave in August under its joint domestic violence, sexual assault, and child abuse policy with the players’ club. MLB has no investigation or disciplinary timeframe.

Franco received pay and time off during administrative leave. The problem raises Franco’s career and MLB penalty worries.

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