Former Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Wander Franco was reportedly detained by police in the Dominican Republic and sent to a mental-health facility at his family’s urging, according to the Associated Press.
Franco, who in June was found guilty of sexually abusing a 14-year-old girl, was reportedly confronted by police while he was in the middle of an Instagram Live. A police spokesperson told the Associated Press that Franco’s family contacted police and requested he be admitted to a mental-health clinic. He was reportedly taken a clinic in his hometown of Baní. Franco’s detainment and admission into the clinic is not linked to any legal issues, per the AP.
The incident comes days after Franco went on social media claiming he was the victim of a robbery. Franco claimed $16,000 was stolen from a resort at which he was staying. Franco’s attorney disputed that claim, saying the money was found. Despite that, Franco insisted it was still missing.
It’s yet another troubling development for Franco, who was in the midst of a breakout season with the Rays in 2023 when reports emerged suggesting he was in a sexual relationship with a minor. Franco was quickly placed on administrative leave by the Rays and MLB while authorities in the Dominican Republic investigated those claims.
Franco was arrested in 2024 in the DR and charged with sexual abuse, sexual exploitation against a minor and human trafficking. Following his arrest, Franco was put on the restricted list by the Rays and MLB, which stopped him from receiving payments from the team. The Rays signed Franco to a 12-year, $185 million deal in 2021.
In June, Franco was found guilty of sexual abuse of a minor. He received a two-year suspended prison sentence. The Rays released a statement in June saying the team will continue to let his legal situation play out in the Dominican Republic. MLB said it was still investigating the situation. Franco has not played in an MLB game since Aug. 2023, when the allegations first came to light.
Franco, now 24, has faced additional legal issues in the Dominican Republic. At least two other minors accused Franco of engaging in a relationship with them when they were underage. In November, Franco was arrested after getting into an altercation with police. He was eventually charged with gun possession as a result of that arrest.
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