SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic (AP) — Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Wander Franco was formally charged on Tuesday by prosecutors in the Dominican Republic with sexually abusing a 14-year-old girl.
The prosecutors decided to press charges four days after the initial deadline expired on July 5, six months after a judge ordered that Franco be investigated in connection with sexual and psychological abuse of the minor.
Nairobi Viloria, the attorney general’s office spokesperson, confirmed to The Associated Press that prosecutors presented before a judge the final and formal accusation, but she declined to provide further details.
The indictment also includes the minor’s mother. According to prosecutors, Franco paid the girl’s mother thousands of dollars to consent to the relationship, which lasted four months. The girl’s mother remains under house arrest. The AP is not releasing the woman’s name to preserve her daughter’s privacy.
Franco is under administrative leave by Major League Baseball and the players’ association through July 14.
Tampa Bay’s All-Star shortstop has not played since Aug. 12 while MLB continues its investigation into an alleged relationship with a minor.
Administrative leave is not disciplinary under the sport’s joint domestic violence, sexual assault and child abuse policy, and a player continues to be paid. Franco, who has a $2 million salary this year, has remained in his native Dominican Republic while authorities there investigate.
Wander Franco, the highly touted prospect for the Tampa Bay Rays, is facing formal charges of sexual abuse. The news has sent shockwaves through the baseball community, as Franco was seen as a rising star in the sport.
The allegations against Franco are serious and troubling. According to reports, the incident in question took place at a party where Franco was in attendance. The victim, whose identity has not been disclosed, has come forward with accusations of sexual abuse against the young player.
The Rays organization has released a statement expressing their shock and disappointment at the news. They have stated that they are fully cooperating with authorities in their investigation and will take appropriate action once all the facts are known.
This is not the first time that a professional athlete has been accused of sexual abuse, and unfortunately, it likely won’t be the last. It is important for these allegations to be taken seriously and thoroughly investigated to ensure that justice is served.
In the meantime, Wander Franco’s future in baseball is uncertain. If he is found guilty of these charges, it could have serious repercussions for his career and his reputation. It is a stark reminder that even those who seem to have it all can fall from grace in an instant.
As fans and observers, it is important to remember that these are serious allegations that should not be taken lightly. We must let the legal process play out and withhold judgment until all the facts are known. In the meantime, our thoughts are with the victim and all those affected by this troubling situation.