Wander Franco ‘to be formally accused of sexual exploitation of a minor’ in new twist in case involving MLB star

Wander Franco will reportedly be formally accused of commercial sexual exploitation of a minor over an alleged relationship with a 14-year-old girl.

According to local newspaper, El Nuevo Diario, prosecutors in the Dominican Republic are planning to put forward formal allegations against the Tampa Bay Rays shortstop in June. 

The authorities reportedly have until July to present formal accusations against the 23-year-old. 

Franco is still being paid his $2million salary, despite not appearing in an MLB game since allegations first surfaced last summer. He remains under contract through 2032 and is reportedly owed $174m.

He is alleged to have had a relationship with the teenager and paid her mother thousands of dollars for her consent. 

Rays shortstop Wander Franco will reportedly be formally accused of commercial sexual exploitation of a minor 

Franco, 23, has not appeared in an MLB game since allegations first surfaced last summer

It was previously reported by the Associated Press that Franco would be accused of sexual and psychological abuse, and abduction in relation to the alleged relationship which began in December 2022.

Allegations of money laundering and sexual exploitation, meanwhile, were dismissed earlier this year, after Franco was released from jail. He was detained for a week after failing to respond to a summons by prosecutors.

Franco was initially suspended by the Rays before being placed on administrative leave through June 1 – per an agreement between MLB and the MLBPA, according to ESPN. 

His status could reportedly change depending on developments in the case in the Dominican Republic. 

Last month, according to ESPN, a judge in the Dominican Republic denied a request by Franco to end his monthly check-ins with the authorities – and to return his bail of around $35,000.

He allegedly had a relationship with the teenager and paid her mother for her consent