According to ESPN’s Juan Recio, Wander Franco has been arrested in the Dominican Republic. Multiple police sources report that Franco was arrested after an altercation in the parking lot of an apartment complex in San Juan de la Maguana, where guns were drawn. He and an unnamed woman are currently being held for questioning.
At 23 years old, Franco is already facing trial in the Dominican Republic for charges of sexual abuse, sexual exploitation of a minor, and human trafficking. These charges stem from allegations that Franco was involved in a sexual relationship with a 14-year-old girl when he was 21 in 2022. If convicted, Franco could face up to 20 years in prison.
Although Franco is not allowed to leave the country due to his bail agreement, he is still permitted to travel within the Dominican Republic. Reports indicate that Franco could legally carry a firearm if he had the necessary license and the weapon was registered. However, it is unclear at this time whether Franco met these requirements for the firearm in question.
It remains to be seen if this recent incident will lead to additional charges against Franco. He is currently on indefinite administrative leave from Major League Baseball as the legal proceedings continue. Since July, he has been on the restricted list, where he does not receive his salary and is not included on Tampa Bay’s 40-man roster.
