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Tampa Bay Rays Dominican Republic prosecutors said Shortstop had already tried allegations of sexual abuse of a minor but was hit by illegal possession of a handgun on Sunday.
The charges stem from Franco being arrested on November 10th after an argument in the San Juan de La Maguna parking lot. Dominican Public Prosecutor’s Office I said. No one was injured in the incident, but authorities said a semi-automatic Glock 19 was found in Franco’s vehicle.
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Shortstop of the Tampa Bay Rays left the court during a trial break on Monday, June 2, 2025, with accusations of sexually abusing a minor in Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic, wandering Franco and his lawyer Theo Docio Jaquez. (AP photo/Ricardo Hernandez)
Prosecutors said the handgun was registered under Franco’s uncle. Franco’s lawyer, Antonio Garcia Lorenzo, said that “there is nothing illegal about it” as the gun was approved.
Authorities demanded that Francostand be brought to justice on gun charges.
Franco, 24, is currently in trial over allegations of sexual abuse. The crime is said to have involved a girl who was 14 years old at the time. Franco was charged with minors, sexual and commercial exploitation sexual abuse for minors and human trafficking.
Tampa Bay Rays Short Stop Wonder Franco is sitting in court during trial on Monday, June 2, 2025 with accusations of sexually abusing a minor in Puerto Plata, the Dominican Republic. (AP photo/Ricardo Hernandez)
Prosecutors say he tempted the girl for sexual purposes and “sent a large amount of money to his mother.” If convicted, he will face up to 30 years in prison.
One of Franco’s lawyers, Theodocio Jaquez, said he would ask the court to exonerate his client on all charges.
“He did not commit the conduct he was condemned,” he told The Associated Press.
Star Wonder Franco of the Tampa Bay Rays is facing an investigation into alleged inappropriate relationships with minors. (AP Photo/Chris O’Meara, File)
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Rays player He was in the middle of his third major league season, when his career halted in August 2023. He signed an 11-year, $182 million contract in November 2021.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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