Wander Franco’s legal woes continue to mount. While the former Tampa Bay Rays star awaits trial for the alleged sexual abuse of a minor, authorities in the Dominican Republic have now filed additional charges against him for illegal possession of a handgun-further complicating his situation.
Franco, 24, is at the center of a high-profile trial involving the sexual abuse of a 14-year-old girl at the time of the alleged incidents. The charges include sexual abuse, commercial sexual exploitation, and human trafficking, all involving a minor.
Prosecutors allege that Franco kidnapped the victim for sexual purposes and “sent large sums of money to her mother.” He is currently on supervised release and faces up to 30 years in prison, in addition to any penalties that may arise from the latest charges.
What are the new charges against Franco?
According to a statement from the Dominican Republic’s Public Prosecutor’s Office, Franco was arrested in San Juan de la Maguana following an altercation in a parking lot. When police searched his vehicle, they discovered a semi-automatic Glock 19. The weapon was registered to Franco’s uncle, according to the statement.
His attorney, Antonio García Lorenzo, later asserted that the gun was properly licensed, arguing that “there’s nothing illegal about it.” However, despite the weapon’s registration and the fact that no one was injured in the altercation, prosecutors have ordered Franco to stand trial for illegal possession.
Franco’s career may never recover
Franco was in the third season of an 11-year, $182 million contract he signed with the Rays in 2021 when his legal troubles surfaced in 2023. Now, as he faces two separate trials, his career is indefinitely on hold, with no sign of a possible return.
Even if he is acquitted, it remains unlikely that any Major League team would risk associating its brand with Franco, making a comeback in the United States nearly impossible.
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