Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Wander Franco faces new gun possession charge amid ongoing sexual abuse case in Dominican Republic

Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Wander Franco, 24, has been hit with a new legal charge in the Dominican Republic. On Sunday, June 8, 2025, prosecutors announced he illegally had a Glock 19 in his vehicle during a November 10, 2024, parking lot altercation in San Juan de la Maguana.

This new gun charge comes while Franco is already on trial in Santo Domingo for sexual abuse of a minor, specifically a 14-year-old girl. His trial began on June 2, 2025, and includes charges of sexual exploitation and human trafficking. MLB continues its investigation under league policy. Meanwhile, Franco remains on the Rays’ 11‑year, $182 million contract and is on the restricted list.

Tampa Bay’s Wander Franco hit with gun charge amid ongoing sexual abuse case

During his November stay in San Juan de la Maguana, Wander Franco was involved in an altercation in a parking lot.

Police found a Glock 19 in his car registered to his uncle. Prosecutors said the weapon was unlicensed and charged Franco with illegal gun possession.

Wander Franco’s lawyer, Antonio Garcia Lorenzo, responded, “there’s nothing illegal about it,” noting the weapon carried a valid license. Prosecutors, however, have asked a Dominican judge to schedule a separate trial on the charge.Judge Viamerca Ruiz granted Franco supervised release in the gun case in November 2024.

Franco now must report to court monthly in San Juan de la Maguana. If convicted, he could face 3 to 5 years in prison.Also Read: Wander Franco Heads To Trial Over Sexual Abuse Case Shaking MLB Fans

Wander Franco’s sexual abuse trial continues in Dominican court

Wander Franco’s gun charge adds a new layer to his ongoing legal battles. He first faced charges in July 2024 for sexual abuse, sexual exploitation of a minor, and human trafficking, related to allegations involving a 14‑year‑old girl. Prosecutors claim he paid the girl’s mother around $17,000 to allow the abuse, which lasted several months.His trial began Jon une 2, 2025, in Santo Domingo. A secret hearing on June 5, 2025, allowed the girl to testify behind closed doors. Franco maintains his innocence in court and on social media, asking only that “justice be done”. The trial could last months and his maximum sentence may reach 30 years with combined charges.Major League Baseball (MLB) has also launched its own probe under the domestic violence and child abuse policy. Wander Franco has not played since August 2023. He is still under contract with the Rays but earns no salary while on the restricted list.