Tampa Bay Rays’ Wander Franco Arrested In Dominican Republic

DOMINICAN REPUBLIC — Tampa Bay Rays player Wander Franco, accused of inappropriate relationships with underage girls, was arrested Monday in his native Dominican Republic.

The 22-year-old shortstop was taken into custody after being interviewed about an alleged relationship with a minor by prosecutors investigating him in the Puerto Plata province, according to an official who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the person wasn’t authorized to discuss the case.

Social media posts from mid-August accused Franco of having a physical relationship with a girl in the Dominican Republic who was under the age of 18.

Two formal complaints were also filed against him in his native country. The first complaint, made by a 17-year-old, was filed against Franco July 17. The second girl, whose age hasn’t been reported, came forward in late August.

• Also Read: 3rd Minor Accuses Wander Franco Of Inappropriate Relationship: Report

Franco appeared before prosecutors Monday accompanied by two lawyers, days after not showing up for a meeting with prosecutor Olga Diná Llaverías.

Llavería originally requested Franco appear Dec. 28, two days after prosecutors and police visited two of his properties in Baní, the All-Star player’s hometown, but didn’t find him there.

Under Dominican law, Franco must be brought before a judge within 48 hours, ESPN reported.

No criminal charges related to the accusations have been filed against him, but at least two people have filed legal action against the player, sources told ESPN. No details about these legal matters were provided.

The Rays put Franco on the team’s restricted list in August after allegations against of his having relationships with two underage girls came to light.

Major League Baseball opened an investigation into the accusations, which the player denied. He was later placed on administrative leave following accusations made by a third girl.

This article includes reporting by The Associated Press.