Public Prosecutor’s Office accuses Wander Franco of exploitation

Santo Domingo.- The Public Prosecutor’s Office has formally charged Dominican Major League Baseball player Wander Franco with sexual and commercial exploitation of a minor.

According to the prosecutor’s file, Franco violated Principle V of articles 25, 396 (B and C), 409, and 410 of Law 136-03, which is the Code for the System of Protection of Fundamental Rights of Children and Adolescents. Additionally, Franco is accused of violating articles 265, 266, and 331 of the Dominican Penal Code, as well as article 3 of Law 137-03 on Illicit Trafficking of Migrants and Trafficking in Persons.

Franco, 23, has not played professional baseball since August 12, 2023, and has been on administrative leave since August 14, 2023. As of now, neither the Tampa Bay Rays nor the office of the Major League Baseball commissioner has commented on the case.