Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Wander Franco appeared before prosecutors in the Dominican Republic on Monday to answer allegations that he had unnecessary relationships with minors, a source told ESPN.
Franco showed up with his new legal team, headed by lawyers Teodosio Jáquez Encarnación and Juan Francisco Rodríguez Consoró, although as of Monday afternoon the main points of the assembly were not known, the source confirmed.
The position was taken 4 days after Franco did not respond to a summons before the Specialized Prosecutor’s Office for Children and Adolescents.
At least two other people have filed a lawsuit against Franco, who is also under investigation for allegedly dating a third minor, sources told ESPN, though no formal complaint has been filed with the government by the third woman.
Franco has not filed criminal charges.
Franco, who is from the Dominican Republic, was placed on administrative leave in August by Major League Baseball, which is also investigating the allegations.
When the 22-year-old Franco was placed on leave, the Rays said they supported the league’s resolution and would assist in the investigation in any way possible. Since then, the Rays have not commented on the situation.
In November 2021, after 70 MLB games, Franco and the Rays agreed to an 11-year, $182 million contract extension.