In Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Wander Franco has found himself embroiled in legal troubles as he faces charges related to his alleged illegal possession of a firearm. This comes as he is already on trial for severe accusations, including the sexual abuse of a minor. The latest incident, reported by the Dominican Public Prosecutor’s Office, involves Franco’s arrest on November 10 in San Juan de la Maguana following an altercation in a parking lot. Though the altercation did not result in injuries, a semiautomatic Glock 19 handgun was discovered in Franco’s vehicle.
The firearm was officially registered under the name of Franco’s uncle. Despite the registration, prosecutors have decided to push for a trial on the charge of illegal possession of the handgun. Franco’s lawyer, Antonio Garcia Lorenzo, maintained that the firearm was licensed, suggesting no legal wrongdoing on the part of his client. Nonetheless, the legal proceedings against Franco continue to mount as authorities seek to hold him accountable.
While navigating the legal system regarding the firearm charge, Franco is simultaneously undergoing a trial connected to grave allegations of sexual misconduct with a minor. The charges in this case are extensive, ranging from sexual abuse and exploitation to accusations of human trafficking. The case outlines that Franco allegedly kidnapped a 14-year-old girl for sexual purposes, further complicating his legal defenses. Additionally, it is reported that he provided her mother with substantial financial payments.
Currently out on supervised release, Franco faces the possibility of a significant prison sentence, which could extend up to 30 years if he is convicted of these charges. This development comes after what had been a promising baseball career, now put on hold due to the accusations. Franco, who had been playing in his third major league season, saw his athletic endeavors halted in August 2023 once the allegations emerged. This pause in his career followed his signing of an impressive 11-year, $182 million contract with the Tampa Bay Rays in November 2021. As the investigations and trials proceed, Franco remains on Major League Baseball’s restricted list, with his future in the sport hanging in the balance.