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Tampa Bay Ray’s Shortstop Wander Franco, already in trial of accusations of sexual abuse of a minor, was struck by an illegal possession of a small arms Sunday, said prosecutor in the Dominican Republic.
The indictment came from an arrest on November 10, after Franco was in a quarrel in a parking lot in San Juan de la Maguana, the Dominican Prosecutor’s Office said. No one was injured in the incident, but officials said a semi -automatic glock 19 was found in Franco’s vehicle.
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Tampa Bay Ray’s Shortstop Wander Franco and his lawyer, Teodosio Jaquez, leave the court during a break in his trial of charges of sexual abuse of a minor in Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic, Monday, June 2, 2025. (AP Photo/Ricardo Hernandez)
Prosecutors said handguns were registered under Franco’s uncle. Franco’s lawyer, Antonio Garcia Lorenzo, said that because the gun was licensed, “there is nothing illegal about it.”
Officials requested that Franco be tried on the gun tax.
Franco, 24, is in the midst of a trial of accusations of sexual abuse. The crime reportedly involved a girl who was 14 years old at the time. Franco was charged with sexual abuse of a minor, sexual and commercial exploitation against a minor and human trafficking.
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Tampa Bay Ray’s Shortstop Wander Franco sits in court during his trial of charges of sexual abuse of a minor in Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic, Monday, June 2, 2025. (AP Photo/Ricardo Hernandez)
He allegedly kidnapped the girl for sexual purposes and “sent large sums to his mother,” according to prosecutors. He faces up to 30 years in prison if sentenced.
One of Franco’s lawyers, Teodosio Jáquez, said he will ask the court to free his client on all charges.
“He did not commit the actions he has accused of,” he told Associated Press.
Tampa Bay Rays Star Wander Franco faces a study of alleged inappropriate relationships with minors. (AP Photo/Chris O’Meara, File)
Rays’ player was in the middle of his third major league season when his career was stopped in August 2023. He signed an 11-year contract of $ 182 million in November 2021. He was placed on MLB’s limited list after originally placed on administrative leave.
