Wander Franco ‘arrested in Dominican Republic after interrogations by prosecutors over alleged relationship with a minor… with MLB star to go before a judge THIS WEEK’

Wander Franco has reportedly been arrested in his native Dominican Republic following questioning by prosecutors over an alleged inappropriate relationship with a minor.

On Monday, after finally visiting authorities investigating the case, Franco was arrested in Puerto Plata.

According to Hector Gomez, the MLB star will appear in court on Wednesday for arraignment. Prosecutors are expected to ask that Franco remain in jail without bond while the case continues.

Last week, the Tampa Bay Rays shortstop saw his homes raided by police looking for him. He was ordered to meet with authorities of the Specialized Prosecutor's Office for Children and Adolescents in the city of Santo Domingo on December 28.

Local newspaper Listin Diario posted a video on social media showing officials waiting for the MLB star and listing him as a no-show. Agency director Olga Dina Llaverias later confirmed that Franco did not appear.

Franco is under investigation for allegations of an inappropriate relationship with a minor

However, on Monday, Dominican outlet Diario Libre published a photo of the Tampa Bay Rays player with his lawyers after their appearance at the prosecutor's office.

The Rays placed Franco on the restricted list — and subsequently on paid administrative leave — in August when MLB launched an investigation into social media posts indicating Franco was involved in an inappropriate relationship with a minor.

Franco has denied the allegations and went live on his Instagram account at the time to address them.

“They say I have a young girl, that I am running around with an underage,” Franco told his teammates during his live broadcast in Spanish. “How crazy is that, dude? People don't know what to do with their time.

'Those people have to get moving. One is focused here and doing my thing, you see, thanks to God. That's why I prefer to stay on my side and not get involved with anyone, because people gossip so much.'

The Tampa Bay Rays signed Franco to a $182 million, eleven-year contract in November 2021

The age of consent in the Dominican Republic is 18 years.

Tampa Bay signed Franco to an 11-year contract worth $182 million in November 2021. The deal includes a team option for 2033 that could be worth $223 million.

Franco has since been moved to Tampa Bay's active roster due to offseason administrative leave being unavailable. He could still return to administrative leave when spring training begins.

Franco, who was drafted for the first time in 2021 as one of the most hyped players in recent years, played 112 games in his career and became an All-Star for the first time in 2023.