Rays’ Wander Franco detained by Dominican Republic authorities: reports
Wander Franco has been detained by authorities in the Dominican Republic, according to multiple Spanish-language reports. The reason Franco was detained is unclear.
Franco appeared at Puerto Plata’s prosecutor’s office Monday morning. The Rays’ star shortstop and his lawyers were there to obtain information about an investigation that links him to a minor, per those reports.
Dominican newspapers Listin Diario and Diario Libre said that after Franco was questioned, he and the mother of the minor who made the allegation were detained, and they were expected to be held 48 hours.
ESPN said Franco was arrested only for failing to heed last week’s summons to appear in the prosecutor’s office. The Associated Press said the 22-year-old Franco was interviewed for three hours, then arrested.
MLB insider Héctor Gómez, citing well-known Dominican lawyer Félix Portes — who specializes in criminal and constitutional law — went a step further. He wrote on X that Franco will be arraigned on Wednesday and “prosecutors are expected to ask for Wander to remain in Jail with no bail as the process continues.”
The Rays said Monday that they have no comment on the latest reports.
When Franco was first summoned last week, lawyers who had been representing him said they had been fired and therefore were unable to get the summons to the All-Star.
Monday, Franco was joined by new lawyers Teodosio Jáquez Encarnación and Francisco Rodríguez Consoró. Authorities have declined comment on the case because it involves a minor. The legal age of consent in the Dominican Republic is 18.
It is the latest development in what has been a four-month investigation into allegations that Franco had inappropriate relationships with minors.
On Dec. 26, two homes were searched as part of the Dominican Republic investigation: the home of Franco’s mother in the community of Palo Blanco in Baní and the home registered to Franco in Villa Real. Authorities also went to the homes of Franco’s uncles the next day. He was not found at any of the locations.
Word was left with Franco’s wife that he was expected to contact authorities.
Allegations against Franco first came to light publicly via social media on Aug. 13. Franco seemed to deny them that day in a live video he broadcast on his Instagram channel. He has not spoken publicly since then.
Franco, who signed an 11-year deal worth $182 million in November 2021, initially agreed to take a one-week leave from the Rays as Major League Baseball investigated. He was then placed on administrative leave under the league and players union’s Joint Domestic Violence, Sexual Assualt and Child Abuse Policy. Dominican Republic authorities also confirmed they were investigating similar allegations.
Franco did not play in a game after Aug. 12. MLB traditionally has waited for any legal investigation and/or prosecution to take place before deciding on possible discipline. The league, however, has served out suspensions under the policy even when there are no legal charges.
Franco, who is owed $2 million next season, was elected to his first All-Star team in July and was hitting .281 with 17 home runs and 58 RBIs.
The Rays distanced themselves from their one-time face of the franchise. The team removed advertising and merchandise featuring the shortstop from Tropicana Field.
With spring training beginning next month, the Rays have several infielders who can play shortstop, but top replacement Taylor Walls had offseason hip surgery and his availability for the beginning of the season is in question.
Times staff writer Juan Carlos Chavez contributed to this report.
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