Tampa Bay Lightning Shortstop Wander Franco was arrested in the Dominican Republic on Monday amid an investigation into allegations of inappropriate relationships with minors, according to multiple reports.
Franco, 22, was detained after a three-hour interview with prosecutors, an official from the Puerto Plata province prosecutor’s office told The Associated Press on condition of anonymity.
His arrest occurred a few days after the All-Star Game 2023 He did not appear at a meeting with prosecutor Olga Diná Llaverías.
Wander Franco #5 of the Tampa Bay Rays swings on a pitch during the fifth inning against the Cleveland Guardians at Tropicana Field on August 12, 2023 in St. Petersburg, Florida. (Douglas P. DeFelice/Getty Images)
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ESPN reported that police visited two homes in Franco’s hometown of Baní, but he was not located at those properties. According to the report, he was arrested for failing to appear before the prosecutor.
According to Dominican law, he must appear before a judge within 24 hours.
Franco was placed on administrative leave on August 22 while MLB investigated his alleged relationships with underage girls. According to a report from ESPN, at least two people have filed legal action against the baseball player, and sources said he is currently being investigated for an alleged relationship with a third minor.
Wander Franco #5 of the Tampa Bay Rays watches during the fifth inning against the Cleveland Guardians at Tropicana Field on August 12, 2023 in St. Petersburg, Florida. (Douglas P. DeFelice/Getty Images)
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Franco’s last game was on August 12. He was placed on leave under MLB’s joint domestic violence, sexual assault and child abuse policy with the players union.
The Rays expressed support for MLB’s investigation but have not commented on the matter since.
“We support Major League Baseball’s decision to place Wander Franco on administrative leave,” the Rays said. he said at that time. “The Tampa Bay Rays are dedicated to maintaining high standards of integrity both on and off the field. We appreciate the understanding and patience of our fans and followers as this process unfolds. We will not be making any further statements on this matter until MLB completes its process. “.
Wander Franco #5 of the Tampa Bay Rays throws to Zack Short of the Detroit Tigers at first base during the sixth inning at Comerica Park on August 5, 2023 in Detroit, Michigan. (Duane Burleson/Getty Images)
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Franco was an All-Star for the first time this season. He signed an 11-year, $182 million contract extension in November 2021, but a team option in 2033 could make the deal worth $233 million when it’s up.
The Rays did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital’s request for comment.
Ryan Gaydos of Fox News and The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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