Rays’ Wander Franco faces additional human trafficking charge

ST. PETERSBURG — Rays shortstop Wander Franco could face up to 20 years in prison if convicted of human trafficking, one of the formal charges brought against him this week by prosecutors in the Dominican Republic.

The new charge was included in a press release from the public prosecutor’s office that said “Franco’s conduct” violated several provisions of Dominican law that define the rights and protections of minors and impose harsh penalties for human trafficking, including a prison sentence of 15 to 20 years.

Franco was also charged with sexual abuse and sexual exploitation of a minor, stemming from a relationship with a then-14-year-old girl that began in December 2022. He was 21 at the time.

One of Franco’s lawyers, Teodosio Jáquez Encarnación, disputed the charges, saying they appear to be based on baseless accusations and previously published social media posts.

“It’s the same rumor and social media comments that the accusation is based on,” Encarnación told the Tampa Bay Times via text message. “It’s all going to fall apart because Wander is not connected to the accusations against him.”

On Wednesday, Franco was placed on administrative leave and transferred to Major League Baseball’s restricted list, meaning he will no longer be paid. His placement on administrative leave, a non-disciplinary status, was set to end Sunday but was subject to significant developments in the case, such as the filing of charges.

The Rays requested and MLB approved the change, which was based on Franco being unavailable to play because he was unlikely to obtain a visa to travel to the United States. It was not a disciplinary measure related to the charges. Franco was receiving half of his prorated $2 million salary (about $560,000) under a negotiated settlement, the Associated Press reported, as well as service time.

The Rays declined to comment on the situation beyond manager Kevin Cash’s brief remarks before Wednesday’s game against the Yankees at Tropicana Field: “Serious allegations, very concerning, it’s probably best that I don’t comment much beyond that and we focus here on this team.”

The next step will be for a judge to determine whether the charges merit trial or dismissal, which could take months. That would end any chance, even a remote one, that Franco will rejoin the Rays this season. A preliminary hearing to discuss the evidence will be held Aug. 14, Encarnación said.

“Only the relevance of the evidence will be determined and whether it deserves to be considered in a trial,” said Dominican criminal lawyer Francisco Manuel Lazala, who is not involved in Franco’s case. “Otherwise, the court could dismiss the case if it finds the evidence is not relevant. We understand that it is very likely that this case will go to trial, where the guilt or innocence of Wander Franco will be determined.”

In the Dominican Republic, a conviction for sexual abuse carries a prison sentence of 2 to 5 years. Sexual exploitation of a minor can carry a sentence of 5 to 10 years in prison. However, the legal system does not allow for cumulative sentences. If Franco is convicted of multiple crimes simultaneously, he will be sentenced based on the crime that carried the longest prison sentence.

Puerto Plata-based Encarnación said late Wednesday afternoon that it had not yet received formal notification of the charges but expected that to happen later in the day or Thursday. Jay Reisinger, Franco’s U.S.-based attorney, said early Wednesday evening that he had just received the formal documents but that it was too early to comment.

The allegations first surfaced in social media posts on Aug. 13, leading to Franco being removed from the Rays’ active roster and placed on the restricted list before being transferred to administrative leave.

“It seems to be the same as the one initially presented by the Public Ministry, that is, Olga Diná Llaverías, who took charge of this case,” Encarnación said. “You will understand why in due time.” Prosecutor Diná Llaverías heads the Department of Children, Adolescents and Family of the Dominican Republic.

According to Encarnación, Franco never had sexual relations with the minor involved in the case. He claimed that this was reiterated a few weeks ago in a private hearing before a judge.

“It doesn’t implicate him at all, and that evidence exists because those statements were made before a judge,” Encarnación said.

In January, prosecutors presented a judge with a nearly 600-page report outlining the evidence they had gathered. It included not only details of the alleged sexual relationship, but also allegations that Franco paid the girl’s mother to obtain her consent to allow the relationship to continue.

The mother was included in the official file this week, accused of trafficking, sexual exploitation and money laundering.

After the preliminary hearing, a judge will review the evidence from both sides and decide if it is sufficient to proceed. If it is and Franco is found guilty at the trial that follows, he will be sentenced. After that, either side can appeal to another court to review the decision.

Once Franco’s legal status in the Dominican Republic is resolved, Major League Baseball is expected to complete its own investigation, including an interview with Franco, and could impose disciplinary measures, such as a suspension.

MLB released a statement Wednesday: “We are aware of the allegations against Mr. Franco. Our investigation remains open and we will continue to closely monitor the matter as it develops.”

Franco signed a record 11-year, $182 million contract after his rookie season in 2021 and will still be on the hook for $172 million after this season. The outcome of the court case and MLB discipline could impact how much of that sum the Rays will still have to pay.

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