Tampa Bay Rays star shortstop Wander Franco has been 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’s now 23, has been under investigation by authorities in the D.R. since July 2023 … after a complaint was filed alleging he had sexual relations with a teenager.
The mother of the child is also included in the indictment … with protesters claiming the mother was paid thousands of dollars by Franco to look the other way, and allow the relationship.
As we’ve previously reported, Franco last played in a big league game in August 2023 after posts seemingly showing he was having a relationship with a minor 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 deal in late 2021, is still being paid by the Rays franchise.
On the field, Franco was a key piece for the Rays success. He had a batting average of .282 in his three seasons with the club … smacking 30 home runs and driving in 130 runs.
Franco is technically on administrative leave through July 14 … a deadline that will inevitably get extended. But, that’s not the most pressing issue for the baseball star.
It’s unclear when Wander will appear in court next.
