When his legal woes were seemingly on the way of being resolved, 23-year old Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Wander Franco screwed up things for himself again. He now could face new legal charges, this time for illegal possession of a firearm. Prosecutors announced his arrest after a drawing of guns took place in the parking lot of an apartment complex in San Juan de la Maguana.
Franco was arrested reportedly in possession of a gun that he was not authorized to hold. Police said the firearm was registered to Branly Fernando Lugo Rodríguez, who Franco said is his uncle.
Franco has already pending a minor sexual abuse trial that is set to be heard starting on 12 December.
As reported, the armed altercation occurred Sunday, 10 November 2024 between Franco, another man and the father of that man over Franco’s relationship with a woman prosecutors said lived in the apartment complex. The dispute took place in the parking lot of the apartment complex after Franco arrived there.
There were no injuries, and the involved parties agreed they will not press charges.
No court date has yet been set for Franco’s arraignment in the new case. The use and possession of illegal firearms carries a maximum sentence of three to five years plus a fine.
Franco is on indefinite administrative leave from playing in the Major League Baseball since August 2023. He was allowed to post bail in the first case involving a 14-year old, but cannot leave the Dominican Republic while the case is heard.
In 2021, Franco had been awarded an 11-year, US$182 million extension of his contract. He had made the All-Star team for the first time in 2023.
Read more:
Listin Diario
Diario Libre
El Nacional
ESPN
13 November 2024