MLB star Wander Franco was granted a supervised release this week following a gun arrest while he awaits a sexual abuse trial.
On Wednesday, Franco, a shortstop for the Tampa Bay Rays, was granted the supervised release after his arrest on charges of illegally carrying a firearm in his vehicle during a parking lot altercation in the Dominican Republic.
Supervised Release
Dominican Judge Viamerca Ruiz ordered Franco to report to court monthly as authorities investigate his possession of a firearm registered to his uncle.
Franco, 23, was arrested Sunday following a dispute in a parking lot at an apartment complex in San Juan de la Maguana. A man and a woman were also detained during the altercation, and authorities seized two firearms, according to police.
While speaking to the judge, one of Franco's lawyers, Antonio Garcia Lorenzo, said, "The gun has a license...so there's nothing illegal about it."
"We are asking for his release, pure and simple as that. They have already investigated the weapon, and it is not his, it has its owner," the lawyer added.
Franco was in San Juan de la Maguana "just to visit," his attorney said.
If convicted of illegal firearm possession, Franco could face a prison sentence of three to five years.
Franco Sexual Abuse Case
Franco is set to stand trial on December 12 in Puerto Plata's northern province on charges of sexual abuse involving a 14-year-old girl. He also faces charges of sexual and commercial exploitation of a minor, as well as human trafficking.
Franco was granted conditional release on January 5, four days after his arrest on abuse charges.
Franco, who has declined media interviews, commented on the sexual abuse case by saying, "Everything is in God's hands."
In August 2023, MLB placed Franco on administrative leave, releasing a statement saying, "Per an agreement between MLB and the MLBPA, Wander Franco has been placed on Administrative Leave until further notice as MLB continues its ongoing investigation. The administrative leave, effective immediately, is not disciplinary under the Joint Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault and Child Abuse Policy. We will comment further at the appropriate time."
Franco's Play Career
Franco's career came to an abrupt halt in August 2023 during his third major league season. He had signed an 11-year, $182 million contract in November 2021.
As of right now, the 23-year-old is on Major League Baseball's restricted list and has not been formally released from the Rays organization.
This article includes reporting from The Associated Press.
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