Wander Franco is a shortstop for the Tampa Bay Rays major league baseball team. Franco has been accused by police in the Dominican Republic of abusing an underaged girl.
Wander Franco Allegations
Wander Franco Charged In Dominican Republic. “Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Wander Franco was formally charged on Tuesday by prosecutors in the Dominican Republic with sexually abusing a 14-year-old girl. The prosecutors decided to press charges four days after the initial deadline expired on July 5, six months after a judge ordered that Franco be investigated in connection with sexual and psychological abuse of the minor. Nairobi Viloria, the attorney general’s office spokesperson, confirmed to The Associated Press that prosecutors presented before a judge the final and formal accusation, but she declined to provide further details.” [Yahoo]
Franco On Leave From Rays. “Franco, 23, has been on administrative leave since the allegations came to light on social media last August when photos of the Rays infielder and the girl surfaced. The girl’s mother was also included in Tuesday’s indictment, according to the Associated Press.” [NYP]
Police Have Messages, Testimony From Teen. “In a nearly 600-page document obtained by ESPN and presented to the judge at a hearing in January, prosecutors shared the evidence they have found in their investigation into Franco. The file includes transcripts of interviews with the girl and her relatives and messages between Franco and the girl. Jay Reisinger, Franco’s United States-based lawyer, told The Associated Press that he could not comment because Franco had not received formal notification of any charges.” [ESPN]
One of the first political bloggers in the world, Oliver Willis has operated OliverWillis.com since 2000. Contributor at Media Matters for America and The American Independent. Follow on Twitter at @owillis. Full bio.