May 25, 2022; St. Petersburg, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Wander Franco (5) at bat during the seventh inning against the Miami Marlins at Tropicana Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
MLB: Miami Marlins at Tampa Bay Rays
DOMINICAN REPUBLIC — It’s been a rough start to the new year for Wander Franco.
The Tampa Bay Rays shortstop was arrested in the Dominican Republic after being questioned at Puerto Plata’s prosecutor office for nearly three hours. The 22-year-old continues to be investigated for allegedly having inappropriate relationships with minors in the Dominican Republic.
MLB insider Hector Gomez, reported Monday that Franco will face the court on Wednesday and that “prosecutors are expected to ask for Wander to remain in jail with no bail as the process continues.”
At least two people have filed legal action against Franco, who also is under investigation for allegedly having a relationship with a third minor, sources told ESPN, although there has been no formal complaint to authorities from the third girl.
ESPN’s Juan Arturo Recio reported last week that Franco failed to appear after being summoned by the Dominican Republic’s Specialized Prosecutor’s Office for Children and Adolescents. Authorities unsuccessfully attempted to locate Franco between two different family residences.
Lawyers who had been representing Franco claim to have been fired by the shortstop and weren’t able to get the summons to him. Franco must be brought before a judge within 24 hours, according to Dominican law.
As investigations continue Franco remains on the Major League Baseball administrative leave.
What’s next for the 22-year-old? Stay tuned as authorities have released little information about the case because it involves a minor.
