Rays’ Wander Franco faces additional human trafficking charges

scheduled tribe. PETERSBURG — Rays shortstop Wander Franco faces up to 20 years in prison if convicted of human trafficking, which was one of the formal charges filed against him this week by prosecutors in the Dominican Republic.

The new charge was included in a news release from the Public Ministry that said “Franco’s conduct” violated several provisions of Dominican law that define the rights and protections of minors and impose serious penalties for human trafficking. Imposes penalties, including a prison sentence of 15-20 years.

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

One of Franco’s lawyers, Teodosio Jacquez Encarnación, denied the allegations, saying they appeared to be based on unfounded allegations and earlier posts on social media platforms.

“It is these rumors and social media comments upon which the allegations are based,” Encarnación told the Tampa Bay Times via text message. “Everything will fall apart, because Wander has nothing to do with the allegations against him.”

On Wednesday, Franco was removed from 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 to expire on Sunday, but it was subject to any significant developments in the case, such as charges being filed.

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

The Rays declined to comment on the situation other than brief comments to manager Kevin Cash before Wednesday’s game against the Yankees at Tropicana Field: “Serious allegations, very concerning, probably the best thing I can say is I can’t comment much before this.” I do it and keep my focus on this team. ,

The next step is for the judge to determine whether the charges should be prosecuted or dismissed, which could take a few months. This would essentially end any chances of Franco re-joining the Rays this season, no matter how slim. 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 is worth considering at trial,” said Dominican criminal lawyer Francisco Manuel Lazala, who is not involved in the Franco case. “Otherwise, the court may dismiss the case if the evidence is found irrelevant. We understand that it is highly likely that this case will proceed to trial, where Wander Franco’s guilt or innocence will be determined.

In the Dominican Republic, a conviction for sexual abuse is punishable by 2–5 years in prison. Sexual exploitation of a minor can result in a punishment of 5-10 years. However, the legal system does not allow the accumulation of punishments. If Franco is found guilty of multiple crimes, he will be sentenced to the longest prison sentence depending on the crime.

Encarnación, who is based in Puerta Plata, said Wednesday afternoon that he had not yet received official notification of the charges, but expected to do so by the end of the day or Thursday. Franco’s U.S.-based lawyer, Jay Risinger, said Wednesday evening that he had just received the official documents but that it was too early to comment.

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

“It seems that this is what was initially presented by the Public Ministry, namely Olga Dina Lavarias, who is in charge of the case,” Encarnación said. “In time you’ll understand why.” Prosecutor Dina Lavarias is the head of the Department of Children, Adolescents and Families in the Dominican Republic.

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

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

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

This week’s formal filing also included the mother, who was accused of trafficking, sexual abuse and money laundering.

After a preliminary hearing, a judge will review both sides’ evidence and decide if there is enough evidence to proceed. If it is determined that he is and Franco is found guilty during a subsequent trial, he will be sentenced. After that, either party can appeal the decision to another court for review.

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

MLB issued a statement Wednesday: “We are aware of the allegations against Mr. Franco. “Our investigation is ongoing, and we will continue to monitor the case closely as it progresses.”

Franco signed a team-record 11-year, $182 million contract after his 2021 rookie season and will still be owed $172 million after this season. The outcome of the legal case and MLB discipline could impact how much of that money the Rays remain obligated to pay.

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