On Tuesday, reports surfaced from the Dominican Republic confirming that Wander Franco, the controversial Tampa Bay Rays shortstop, has been formally charged with sexual abuse and sexual exploitation of a minor.
The charges are part of an ongoing investigation by local authorities. This significant development was confirmed by Kelmin Duncan, the Puerto Plata District Office Prosecutor, and a spokesperson from the Attorney General’s Office.
Franco has been on administrative leave since August last year, when allegations of his involvement with a minor first emerged on social media. The 22-year-old All-Star’s leave has been extended indefinitely as the legal proceedings unfold.
Adding to the controversy, Franco recently posted a story on his Instagram account, posing with an unidentified woman. This post has sparked further outrage and speculation among MLB fans, given the gravity of the allegations against him.
The reaction on social media has been intense, with fans expressing disbelief and criticism. Comments ranged from mocking Franco’s seemingly oblivious demeanor to questioning the identity and age of the woman in his post. One fan quipped, “Why does it look like he’s at a prom?” while another sarcastically asked, “Is she also a minor?” Another fan expressed shock with, “OH NO WAY BRUH.” The overall sentiment was one of disbelief that Franco would remain active on social media amidst such serious allegations.
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Some fans were particularly scathing, mocking Franco for continuing to wear his “5” chain, indicative of his jersey number, despite his uncertain future in baseball. “Dude is still wearing his ‘5’ chain like he in the league,” one fan noted, while another remarked, “Dude ruined his life and doubled down. Crazy.” A particularly harsh comment read, “At least it’s not another kid.”
The charges against Franco were first reported by MLB insider and ESPN’s Jeff Passan, who shared the update with the baseball community on Tuesday. This news coincided with the Tampa Bay Rays hosting the New York Yankees for the series opener at Tropicana Field. Passan cited ESPN’s Juan Arturo Recio, who reported, “Big news out of the Dominican Republic from ESPN’s @JuanRecioM: Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Wander Franco has been formally charged with sexual abuse and sexual exploitation against a minor.”
Franco’s last appearance for the Rays was on August 12, before being placed on administrative leave. The formal complaint regarding his alleged relationship with a minor was filed by Dominican authorities in July of last year.
Earlier this year, Franco was arrested in January after failing to respond to a summons from the Specialized Prosecutor’s Office. He was released later that week.
The Major League Baseball (MLB) is also conducting its investigation into Franco’s conduct. However, it is unlikely that the league will reach a conclusion before the resolution of Franco’s criminal case in the Dominican Republic.
The unfolding legal situation continues to cast a shadow over Franco’s future in baseball and his public image.
