Rays shortstop Wander Franco appeared Monday with his two lawyers at the Puerto Plata Prosecutor’s Office in the Dominican Republic, according to ESPN Deportes.
Franco is under investigation for allegedly engaging in relationships with minors.
The 22-year-old initially did not appear for his summoning last Thursday in Santo Domingo at the Specialized Prosecutor’s Office for Children and Adolescents, per ESPN.
Franco dismissed his lawyers prior to his scheduled summoned time last week, according to The Associated Press, but he appeared with two lawyers Monday, according to Dominican Republic outlet Listin Diario.
Prior to Franco’s summoning, Dominican Republic authorities searched his home in Villa Real and his mother’s home in Bani last Tuesday, per Listin Diario.
The first complaint against Franco was filed last July, according to ESPN, and a second formal complaint has also been filed. A third relationship is also under investigation, but there is no formal complaint.
Listin Diario reported Monday that the mother of one of the minors who made the accusations has also been detained, citing the head of the Puerto Plata Gender Violence Victim Came Unit.
No criminal charges have been filed against Franco.
Major League Baseball placed Franco on administrative leave “until further notice” last Aug. 22.
“We support Major League Baseball’s decision to place Wander Franco on Administration Leave,” the Rays said in a statement at the time.
“The Tampa Bay Rays are dedicated to upholding high standards of integrity both on and off the field. We appreciate the understanding and patience of our fans and supporters as this process unfolds.”
Franco then appeared to deny the allegations.
“They say that I’m in public with a little girl, that I’m running around with a minor,” Franco said in Spanish on Instagram Live, as translated by the Tampa Bay Times.
“People don’t know what to do with their time. They don’t know what they’re talking about. That’s why I prefer to be on my side and not get involved with anybody … because people gossip and talk smack.”
Franco received an 11-year, $182 million contract extension from the Rays in 2021.
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