Authorities in Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic have arrested Wander Franco, in line with a number of reviews out of the D.R. (Spanish-language hyperlink by way of ListÃn Diario and ESPN Dominican Republic). He’s anticipated to go in entrance of a choose for arraignment proceedings inside the subsequent 48 hours.
Officers have investigated two formal allegations that Franco has had inappropriate relationships with minors. (A 3rd minor has made comparable claims however didn’t file an official grievance.) In accordance with ListÃn Diario, the mom of one of many alleged victims was additionally detained this afternoon.
The allegations in opposition to Franco went viral on social media on Aug. 13. The Rays positioned him on the restricted listing the next day. Per week later, he was transferred to administrative depart — a standard follow for gamers below investigation for potential violations of the MLB/MLBPA Home Violence, Sexual Assault and Little one Abuse coverage. Franco was reinstated onto the Rays’ 40-man roster at the start of the offseason in a procedural transaction.
Whereas MLB rapidly opened its personal investigation into the social media allegations, the league is awaiting decision of the authorized course of within the Dominican Republic earlier than performing. Authorities summoned Franco for questioning final Wednesday. The 22-year-old didn’t report on the time. His earlier attorneys later knowledgeable prosecutors that Franco had dismissed them. He did seem for questioning alongside his new authorized illustration this morning. Following that assembly with investigators, he was detained.
