Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Wander Franco is facing charges for the illegal use and possession of a firearm after an incident on Sunday in the Dominican Republic, according to ESPN on Tuesday.
Authorities reportedly detained Franco and an unnamed woman for questioning on Monday after a dispute in the parking lot of an apartment complex. The altercation, which involved Franco and two men, apparently centered around Franco’s relationship with a woman who lives at the complex.
No one was injured in the incident, and none of the parties involved decided to press charges.
During a police search of Franco’s Mercedes-Benz at the scene, officers found a Glock handgun with its magazine and 15 rounds of ammunition, but no registration papers. The gun was registered to a man whom Franco identified as his uncle.
The weapons charges could lead to a prison sentence of 3 to 5 years, along with a fine.
Franco is being held for questioning but is expected to be released while awaiting trial. No details about bail terms or court dates have been announced.
Franco, 23, is also on indefinite administrative leave from Major League Baseball as he faces charges related to the sexual abuse of a minor. Under his bail conditions, Franco is not allowed to leave the Dominican Republic, although he can travel within the country until his trial begins on December 12.
Franco was having an All-Star season when he was placed on administrative leave in August 2023 and has not played since.
Reports state that Franco faces up to 20 years in prison for charges of sexual abuse, sexual exploitation of a minor, and human trafficking.
In November 2021, Franco signed an 11-year, $182 million contract extension with the Rays, just 70 games into his MLB career. From 2021 to 2023, he batted .282 with 30 home runs, 130 RBIs, and 40 stolen bases in 265 games.
