Prosecutors in the Dominican Republic have formally charged Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Wander Franco with illegal possession of a firearm and have requested a trial, according to various reports. The charge is connected to an incident that occurred last November in San Juan de la Maguana, where a confrontation over a woman’s attention led to police involvement.
Authorities have indicated that there is sufficient evidence demonstrating Franco’s potential criminal responsibility. Dominican attorney Juan Arturo Recio has stated that penalties for illegal firearm possession can range from three to five years in prison. The situation is complicated further by an ongoing trial related to allegations of sexual abuse, sexual exploitation of a minor, and human trafficking against Franco, which is separate from this firearm charge.
A Glock firearm, loaded with 15 rounds of ammunition, was reportedly located in the trunk of the vehicle Franco was driving. Franco was said to lack the necessary documentation for the firearm, which is registered to an individual identified as Branly Fernando Lugo Rodríguez, who Franco claimed to be his uncle. Franco’s lawyer has stated that he was unaware of the gun’s presence and has emphasized that Franco did not handle it.
Franco’s legal troubles come as he prepares for the ongoing sexual abuse trial, with the prosecution expected to call additional witnesses. This trial is anticipated to last several months.
In a gesture of resilience, Franco shared a social media post featuring a photo from his time with the Rays along with a Bible verse from Psalm 97:10, highlighting his faith amidst challenging circumstances.
Given the complexity of his situation, the outcome of these legal proceedings will likely have significant implications for his professional career going forward.