Wander Franco ‘to be formally accused of sexual exploitation of a minor’ in new twist in case involving MLB star

Wander Franco will reportedly be formally charged with commercial sexual exploitation of a minor over an alleged relationship with a 14-year-old girl.

According to local newspaper, El Nuevo Diarioprosecutors in the Dominican Republic plan to bring formal charges against the Tampa Bay Rays shortstop in June.

Authorities reportedly have until July to file formal charges against the 23-year-old.

Franco is still being paid his $2 million salary despite not appearing in an MLB game since the allegations first surfaced last summer. He is under contract until 2032 and is reportedly $174 million in debt.

He allegedly had a relationship with the teen and paid her mother thousands of dollars for her consent.

Franco, 23, has not appeared in an MLB game since the allegations first surfaced last summer

The Associated Press reported this earlier Franco would be accused of sexual and psychological abuse and kidnapping in connection with the alleged relationship that began in December 2022.

Charges of money laundering and sexual exploitation, meanwhile, were dismissed earlier this year after Franco was released from prison. He was held for a week after failing to respond to a summons from prosecutors.

Franco was initially suspended by the Rays before being placed on administrative leave until June 1 — per an agreement between MLB and the MLBPA, according to ESPN.

His status could reportedly change depending on developments in the case in the Dominican Republic.

According to ESPN, a judge in the Dominican Republic last month denied a request from Franco to end his monthly check-ins with authorities — and return his bail of approximately $35,000.

He allegedly had a relationship with the teenager and paid her mother for her consent