Tampa Bay Rays Shortstop Wander Franco Detained in the Dominican Republic

Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Wander Franco was detained on Monday in the Dominican Republic after being interviewed by prosecutors regarding complaints of inappropriate relationships with young girls, according to a person briefed on the matter.

Court Appearance Scheduled

Franco is currently being held and is expected to appear in court later this week, as reported by The Associated Press and ESPN. The reports cite an unnamed official from the prosecutor’s office in Puerto Plata, a city on the northern coast of the Dominican Republic.

No criminal charges have been announced against Franco at this time. He is set to appear in front of a judge on Wednesday for arraignment, according to baseball journalist Héctor Gómez, who also shared a photograph of Franco with his lawyers.

Ongoing Investigation

The 22-year-old shortstop is facing at least two complaints accusing him of inappropriate relationships with minors, which came to light during the summer. Additionally, there is an investigation into his alleged relationship with a third minor, although the third girl has not yet spoken to authorities in the Dominican Republic.

Franco addressed the initial allegation in an Instagram video, denying any wrongdoing.

Following the emergence of the first allegation on social media, Franco took a regular off day on August 13 and agreed to go on the restricted list, allowing MLB to conduct an investigation. He was subsequently placed on administrative leave on August 22 until further notice.

MLB and Rays Decline to Comment

Both MLB and the Tampa Bay Rays have declined to comment on the situation as of Monday.

Franco, who signed an 11-year, $182 million guaranteed contract with the Rays, is currently the highest-paid player in the organization’s history.

(Photo: Douglas P. DeFelice / Getty Images)