Indictment filed against Wander Franco

TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — Puerto Plata prosecutors filed a formal accusation against Tampa Bay shortstop Wander Franco according to the Attorney General’s Office of Dominican Republic.

Franco is accused of sexual abuse and sexual exploitation against a minor.

FILE – Tampa Bay Rays’ Wander Franco looks on during a baseball game Aug. 13, 2023, in St. Petersburg, Fla. Tampa Bay All-Star shortstop Wander Franco was placed on administrative leave through June 1 under an agreement between Major League Baseball and the players’ association while the investigation continues in an alleged relationship with a minor. The Rays open the season Thursday, March 28, 2024, against Toronto, forcing MLB and the union to make a decision on Franco’s roster status. (AP Photo/Chris O’Meara, File)

The indictment was filed on Monday night, and the minor’s mother — Martha Vanessa Chevalier — has also been charged with trafficking, sexual exploitation, and money laundering.

Chief Prosecutor Kelmi Duncan explained Monday the prosecution was working on the case, saying “we are still on time to deposit the conclusive acts,” the paper reports.

Franco has not played for the Rays since August 12, 2023. On August 14, he was placed on administrative leave.

The 23-year-old shortstop previously had charges of money laundering and commercial sexual exploitation against him dismissed. The current investigation pertains to sexual abuse, kidnapping, and seduction of a minor.

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