The Santo Domingo Children and Youth Prosecutor’s Office searched two homes in the Dominican Republic on Tuesday in search of Rays shortstop Wander Franco, according to a Dominican newspaper.
Listin Diario reported that Dominican authorities are searching for Franco on suspicion of having an affair with a minor from Puerto Plata.
Franco, 22, returned to his native Dominican Republic earlier this month, the Tampa Bay Times previously reported. Franco was not found by authorities on Tuesday, Ristine Diario said.
According to the paper, police cars and authorities arrived at Franco’s “mother’s home” in Bani, Peravia province, to search for him around 3 p.m. They also went to Franco’s home in Villa Real. According to reports, Villa Real’s neighbors have left contact information for authorities to contact the player.
MLB insider Hector Gomez says new evidence has been discovered that “indicates that (Franco) is further involved in the accusations leveled against him regarding his alleged relationship with a minor.” I posted on X that it was done.
Franco’s U.S.-based lawyer, Jay Reisinger, had no comment Tuesday night.
Tuesday’s report is the latest in a four-month investigation by Dominican authorities and Major League Baseball into allegations that Franco had inappropriate relationships with minors. The legal age of consent in the Dominican Republic is 18 years old.
The allegations against Franco came to light publicly via social media in mid-August, and the Rays and league immediately removed Franco from the field. He originally agreed to take a week’s leave from the team on August 13, but was later placed on administrative leave under MLB and the Players Association’s joint domestic violence, sexual assault, and child abuse policy. Ta.
Franco denied the allegations during an Instagram live broadcast when they first surfaced, but he has not played in an MLB game since August 12, nor has he spoken to the media.
MLB has traditionally waited for legal investigations and prosecutions to occur before deciding on potential suspensions. Franco missed the final 42 games of the regular season, but that will be considered against MLB discipline. The league has taken action in similar cases even when no legal charges have been filed.
Franco, who is owed $2 million for the 2024 season, signed a team-record 11-year, $182 million contract with the Rays in November 2021. He was nominated to the All-Star team for the first time in July, hitting .281 with 17 home runs. He had a run and 58 RBIs last season.
The Rays remain in limbo over the departure of a player they thought would be a cornerstone of their future. Spring training begins in two months, with position players expected to report around February 18th. Their organization has several infielders who can play shortstop, but top replacement Taylor Walls underwent hip surgery in the offseason and it’s unclear whether he’ll be available for Opening Day. The season is in question.
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