Wander Franco arrested by police after altercation ends in guns flashing amid ongoing sexual abuse trial: Reports
Former Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Wander Franco was arrested on Monday in the Dominican Republic. According to reports, police said there was an altercation yesterday in an apartment parking lot. Guns were reportedly drawn during the encounter which led to the 2023 All-Star's arrest.
Sources indicate that both Franco and an unidentified woman are currently being held for questioning. Franco is still scheduled to stand trial in the Dominican Republic next month for an unrelated case. He is charged with sexual abuse, sexual exploitation against a minor, and human trafficking.
If found guilty, he would be subject to 20 years in prison. Franco has not played since 2023 after he was accused and then arrested for having an inappropriate relationship with a girl who was 14 at the time.
Wander Franco investigations continue to pile up
Currently, Wander Franco is under investigation for the incident with guns at the parking lot. This is not his only legal issue. The former star shortstop is also under an MLB investigation.
This will determine if he violated the league's domestic violence, sexual assault, and child abuse policy. It is not directly related to the legal investigation for which he will appear in court in December.
Both Franco and the mother of the alleged victim will be called for the trial. The investigation officially opened in 2022. Three judges will hear the arguments on both sides before a decision is reached.
Franco is prohibited from leaving the Dominican Republic or else, he violates his bail agreement. He is able to travel about within the Dominican Republic.
Franco had previously signed an 11-year, $182 million extension in 2021. This was after just 70 games in the big leagues. Now, it looks as if he won't play again.
He is still on the exempt list but with the legal issues piling up, it is unlikely that any team will take a chance on signing him in the future.