Wander Franco, the Tampa Bay Rays shortstop awaiting trial in a sexual abuse case, was granted supervised release on Wednesday after his recent arrest for illegally carrying a firearm in his vehicle during an altercation in the Dominican Republic. The incident, which took place in a parking lot of an apartment complex in San Juan de la Maguana, also saw two other individuals detained and the seizure of two firearms.
Judge Viamerca Ruiz mandated that Franco must report to court monthly as the investigation into the firearm possession continues. The gun in question was registered under Franco’s uncle’s name. One of Franco’s attorneys, Antonio Garcia Lorenzo, emphasized that the firearm was legally licensed and not owned by Franco. Lorenzo argued for his client’s straightforward release, asserting that the investigation had already established the gun’s proper ownership.
Franco, 23, was reportedly visiting San Juan de la Maguana at the time of the incident. If convicted of illegal firearm possession, he could face a prison sentence ranging from three to five years. This legal trouble adds to Franco’s already complicated situation; he is scheduled to stand trial on December 12 in Puerto Plata for charges related to the sexual abuse of a 14-year-old girl. Additional charges include sexual and commercial exploitation against a minor and human trafficking.
Franco was conditionally released on January 5, four days after his arrest for the abuse allegations. As his sexual abuse trial looms, Franco has remained silent on the specifics, relying on his faith, stating, “Everything is in God’s hands.”
Entering his third major league season, Franco’s career came to an abrupt halt in August 2023. His promising future, evidenced by an 11-year, $182 million contract signed in November 2021, has been marred by legal challenges. The Tampa Bay Rays placed him on the restricted list on July 10, effectively terminating the pay he had been receiving while on administrative leave.
