Rays Shortstop Wander Franco Charged with Sexual Exploitation And Human Trafficking in the Dominican Republic

Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Wander Franco has been officially charged with sexual and commercial exploitation of a minor, as well as human trafficking, in his native Dominican Republic. This development comes after an extensive investigation that began in July 2023, culminating in Franco's arrest in January of this year in Puerto Plata on allegations of money laundering and commercial sexual exploitation.

As a result of these charges, Franco has been placed on Major League Baseball’s restricted list. At the time of the charges, Franco was in the midst of a high-profile 11-year, $182 million contract with the Rays, which included a $2.45 million salary for the third year of the deal.

In August 2023, Franco publicly addressed the allegations, firmly denying any wrongdoing in relation to the charges against him.