Rays’ Wander Franco now accused of human trafficking, sexual abuse of minor: Authorities

TAMPA, Fla. – Rays star shortstop Wander Franco has been accused of human trafficking in addition to his existing charges of sexual abuse and exploitation of a minor. 

Authorities in the Dominican Republic made new accusations against Franco, filing additional charges of illicit migrant smuggling and human trafficking. 

READ: Rays shortstop Wander Franco formally charged with sexually abusing a 14-year-old girl

Those accusations come a day after Franco was formally charged with sexual abuse and sexual exploitation of a 14-year-old in the Dominican Republic.

The Rays’ all-star shortstop hasn’t played since Aug. 12 after rumors began to surface of Franco having a relationship with a minor. The 23-year-old player was placed on Major League Baseball’s restricted list on Wednesday, cutting off the pay he had been receiving while on administrative leave. 

READ: Rays place Wander Franco on the Restricted List amid allegations of improper relationship with minor

The victim’s mother also faces charges in the investigation, after prosecutors revealed Franco had paid her thousands of dollars to consent to his relationship with the minor, which reportedly lasted four months.

She also faces illicit migrant smuggling and human trafficking charges, the Ministerio Público announced, as well as money laundering, among other crimes. 

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Franco agreed to an 11-year, $182 million contract with the Rays in November 2021, with the potential to max out at $233 million, marking the largest contract in franchise history by far.

There has been no word yet on the MLB’s response or plan for discipline in response to the newly filed charges.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.