Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Wander Franco, currently awaiting trial on serious sexual abuse charges, was arrested Sunday in connection with an armed altercation in the Dominican Republic, according to local police reports. The incident took place in San Juan de la Maguana, a city located about 116 miles (187 kilometres) west of the capital, Santo Domingo.
Armed dispute over a woman's attention
The altercation occurred in a parking lot, where Franco was reportedly involved in a confrontation with another man over the attention of a woman. Meregirdo Espinosa, a spokesperson for the Dominican National Police, confirmed that Franco, along with another man and a woman, was detained.
During the arrest, two firearms were seized, and one of the weapons is believed to have belonged to Franco. Police have not released further details, including whether anyone was injured during the altercation.
Legal troubles amid sexual abuse charges
This latest arrest comes at a challenging time for the 23-year-old baseball star, who is scheduled to face trial on December 12 in Puerto Plata, located in the northern Dominican Republic.
Franco is accused of sexual abuse involving a 14-year-old girl, along with charges of sexual exploitation of minors, human trafficking, and commercial exploitation. These allegations have led to his suspension from Major League Baseball (MLB).
Franco was arrested in August 2023, leading to his exclusion from the Tampa Bay Rays roster. The team placed him on the restricted list on July 10, which also resulted in the suspension of his salary while he remains on administrative leave.
Franco's statement and career impact
In the wake of the abuse allegations, Franco has largely stayed silent in the media but has previously expressed his faith in the resolution of the case, stating, "Everything is in God’s hands."
His career, which had been thriving after he signed an 11-year, $182 million contract with the Rays in November 2021, has been at a standstill as he faces serious legal battles that could have long-term consequences for his professional future.
Wander Franco’s involvement in this latest armed altercation only adds to the growing list of legal and personal troubles he has faced over the past few months. As he prepares for his upcoming trial, his future both in baseball and in the public eye remains uncertain.
