Tampa Bay Rays' Wander Franco arrested again in Dominican Republic, according to reports
Wander Franco, the Tampa Bay Rays All-Star shortstop already on Major League Baseball's restricted list as he awaits trial on sex abuse charges in the Dominican Republic, was arrested again Sunday after an altercation during which guns were drawn, according to reports.
Franco, 23, and an unidentified woman were arrested Sunday in San Juan de la Maguana, about 115 miles northwest of Santo Domingo, ESPN first reported, and were being held for questioning.
Franco has not played for the Rays since August 2023, when he was first accused of having an inappropriate relationship with a then 14-year-old girl in the Dominican Republic. He was placed on administrative leave and then on MLB's restricted list earlier this year, after he was ordered to stand trial in the Dominican Republic on charges of sexual abuse, sexual exploitation of a minor and human trafficking.
Franco's trial on those charges was set to begin Dec. 12.
An MLB spokesman said the league was aware of Monday's report of Franco's arrest but will not comment at this time.
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Franco faces up to 20 years in prison on his previous charges and also remains under MLB investigation for violations of its joint domestic violence, sexual assault and child abuse policy.
Franco was named to his first All-Star team in July 2023 and was in the second year of an 11-year, $182 million contract when he was placed on administrative leave. He is not allowed to travel from the Dominican Republic while he awaits trial.