Wander Franco formally charged in Dominican Republic

ST. PETERSBURG — Rays shortstop Wander Franco was formally charged with commercial sexual exploitation of a minor and human trafficking in the Dominican Republic, according to the public prosecutor’s office.

The formal accusations were filed in court Monday in the Puerto Plata province of the Dominican Republic. The prosecutor’s office also revealed that money laundering charges have been filed against the minor’s mother.

Major League Baseball released the following statement on Wednesday: “We are aware of the charges against Mr. Franco. Our investigation remains open, and we will continue to closely monitor the case as it moves forward.”

Franco’s attorney in the Dominican Republic, Teodosio Jáquez, told ESPN and other outlets that the case’s first preliminary hearing will be held on Aug. 14. The Rays have not commented on Franco’s status throughout the investigation.

Franco had been on administrative leave since Opening Day, with his leave most recently extended through Sunday, in a decision made through a joint agreement made by MLB and the MLB Players Association. Placement on administrative leave is not considered punitive. Under the Joint Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault and Child Abuse Policy collectively bargained by MLB and the MLBPA, players on administrative leave continue to receive their salary and Major League service while they are removed from the roster.

The agreement included an ability for both sides to extend, shorten or end his time on administrative leave in the event of significant developments, such as being charged. With Franco’s administrative leave expiring upon being charged, the Rays requested that MLB place Franco on the restricted list for failing to report to the team due to his not being available to play, which means he is no longer being paid or accruing Major League service time. It is not a disciplinary move regarding the charges filed on Monday.

The Rays and Franco mutually agreed that the All-Star shortstop would be placed on the restricted list last Aug. 14, when MLB and authorities in the Dominican Republic began investigating allegations that he had an inappropriate relationship with a 14-year-old girl. Franco was placed on indefinite administrative leave on Aug. 22 and did not play for the Rays the rest of last season.

Franco returned to Tampa Bay’s 40-man roster in a procedural move at the beginning of the offseason, but he did not report to Spring Training and was not expected back to be part of the club’s Opening Day roster. He went back on administrative leave the day the season began.