Tampa Bay Rays star shortstop Wander Franco was formally charged with sexual abuse and sexual exploitation against a minor in the Dominican Republic… for a relationship he allegedly had with a 14-year-old girl.
Franco, who is now 23, has been under investigation by authorities in the Dominican Republic since July 2023… after a complaint was filed alleging he had sexual relations with a teenage girl.
The child’s mother is also included in the indictment… with protesters alleging the mother was paid thousands of dollars by Franco to look the other way and allow the relationship.
As we said before reportedFranco last played in a major league game in August 2023 after posts appearing to show him having a relationship with an underage girl went viral on X. He was placed on administrative leave shortly after.
Despite being on administrative leave, Franco, who signed an 11-year, $182 million contract at the end of 2021, is still being paid by the Rays.
On the field, Franco was a key part of the Rays’ success. He batted .282 in his three seasons with the club…hitting 30 home runs and driving in 130 runs.
Franco is technically on administrative leave until July 14… a deadline that will inevitably be extended. But that’s not the most pressing issue for the baseball star.
It is unclear when Wander will appear in court again.