Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Wander Franco faced formal charges on Tuesday in the Dominican Republic for alleged sexual abuse of a 14-year-old girl.
Prosecutors filed charges four days after the July 5 deadline, following a court order six months ago to investigate Franco for alleged sexual and psychological abuse of the minor.
Nairobi Viloria, spokesperson for the attorney general’s office, confirmed to The Associated Press that prosecutors presented the final formal accusation to a judge, withholding further details.
The indictment also implicates the minor’s mother. Prosecutors allege Franco paid her thousands of dollars to facilitate the relationship, which lasted four months. The mother remains under house arrest, and her identity is protected by the AP to safeguard her daughter’s privacy.
Franco is currently on administrative leave, effective through July 14, under Major League Baseball and the players’ association protocols.
The All-Star shortstop has not played since August 12 as MLB continues its investigation into the alleged relationship with a minor.
Administrative leave, as per MLB’s policy on domestic violence, sexual assault, and child abuse, is not considered disciplinary, allowing players to continue receiving pay. Franco, with a $2 million salary this year, has remained in the Dominican Republic while local authorities conduct their investigation.
