The noose is gradually tightening around Tampa Bay Rays player Wander Franco, who faces serious charges in the Dominican Republic in connection with an inappropriate relationship with a minor girl.
On Wednesday evening, the 22-year-old man was charged with commercial sexual exploitation and money laundering, the Puerto Plata Prosecutor’s Office said in a statement. He will face a judge for the first time Friday morning.
• Read also: Baseball: Wander Franco reportedly wanted in Dominican Republic
• Read also: Alleged relationship with a minor: a player suspended by major baseball
In August, a 14-year-old girl said on social media that she had a relationship with Franco. A police investigation began and a second complaint was made. Two searches were carried out on December 26 by the San Domingo City Department of Child and Adolescent Safety, but the athlete was not found.
Franco finally presented himself voluntarily to the Prosecutor’s Office a few days later, was imprisoned for refusing to comply with a summons and was interrogated for three hours.
The promising Rays player hasn’t played since August, finishing the season with 58 RBIs in 112 games and a .281 batting average. He participated in the All-Star Game in 2023.
After his rookie season, Franco signed a massive 11-year, $182 million contract in November 2021.
2024-01-04 17:15:52
#Dominican #Republic #Wander #Franco #formally #accused #sexual #exploitation
