Franco Arrested; Faces Sexual Abuse Charges

Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Wander Franco was arrested in the Dominican Republic following an altercation involving firearms in a parking lot in San Juan de la Maguana. Franco, 23, and an unnamed woman were detained for questioning, adding to his ongoing legal troubles. This comes as Franco awaits a December 12 trial for charges of sexual abuse, sexual exploitation against a minor, and human trafficking related to a 14-year-old girl. Franco has been on Major League Baseball's restricted list since July 2023, and his baseball career remains uncertain pending the outcome of these charges. The Rays had signed him to an 11-year, $182 million contract in 2021, but he has not played since the allegations surfaced in 2023. If convicted, Franco could face up to 20 years in prison, and MLB is investigating him under its domestic violence and child abuse policy.