Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Wander Franco, who’s awaiting trial after being charged with sexually abusing a minor, was arrested Monday within the Dominican Republic after an incident during which weapons had been drawn, in response to ESPN.
Franco, 23, was concerned in a dispute within the parking zone of an condominium advanced in San Juan de la Maguana on Sunday.
Franco and an unnamed girl are being held for questioning by native authorities as of Monday afternoon.
Investigations had been launched in opposition to Franco in 2023 after a proper grievance was filed in July alleging an inappropriate relationship with a 14-year-old woman.
In July 2024, Franco was formally charged with sexual abuse, sexual exploitation and human trafficking of a minor, main Main League Baseball to position him on the restricted checklist.
He is because of stand trial on that case in December and Sunday’s incident is believed to be unrelated.
In line with Dominican police, Franco was not allowed to depart the nation as he awaited court docket proceedings on the previous case, however was legally allowed to hold a gun.
In accordance with Dominican legislation, his possession of the gun is contingent on having a license and the firearm being registered.
Franco is beneath contract with the Tampa Bay Rays by a minimum of 2032, his age-31 season.
In 2021, 70 video games into his major-league profession, the franchise signed him to an 11-year, $182 million contract extension.
Franco, who completed third in Rookie of the 12 months voting in 2021 and earned his first All Star bid in 2023, didn’t play in 2024 due to his authorized points.
