Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Wander Franco was charged with illegal possession of a firearm Sunday as he continues to stand trial on charges of sexual abuse, according to multiple reports.
The gun possession charge stems from a November altercation that resulted in Franco’s arrest. The 24-year-old Franco was arrested after an altercation with another man. Two guns were seized by police following that altercation, one of which was found in Franco’s vehicle.
That gun — a semiautomatic Glock 19 — is reportedly registered in Franco’s uncle’s name. Franco’s lawyer, Antonio Garcia Lorenzo, argued that since the gun is licensed, “there’s nothing illegal about it,” per reports.
Franco is currently on trial in the Dominican Republic on charges of sexual and commercial exploitation of a minor. Franco is accused of engaging in a sexual relationship with a 14-year-old girl. Franco allegedly paid the girl’s mother thousands of dollars to engage in the relationship. The girl’s mother was also charged with sexual abuse of a minor and money laundering.
Once considered the top overall prospect in the minor leagues, Franco was in the midst of a breakout season when allegations of an inappropriate relationship with a minor emerged during the 2023 MLB season. Franco was placed on the restricted list by the Rays that August as MLB investigated the situation. Shorty after that story broke, MLB placed Franco on administrative leave under the league’s joint domestic violence, sexual assault and child abuse policy. He has not appeared in an MLB game since Aug. 2023.
MLB’s investigation into Franco remains ongoing as he stands trial in the Dominican Republic. Franco — who signed an 11-year, $182 million contract with the Rays in 2021 — faces up to 30 years in prison if he’s convicted.
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