Wander Franco charges, explained: Why controversial former MLB star is in more legal trouble

Wander Franco's legal troubles are continuing to pile up.

Over the weekend, police in the Dominican Republic charged Franco with a count originating from an incident in the Dominican Republic last November. That charge is separate from Franco's current case of sexual abuse against a 14-year-old girl, which was investigated in 2023 and led to charges last year.

The Rays shortstop hasn't played in an MLB game since 2023 and can't leave the country of the Dominican Republic, as part of his bail agreement. Here's the latest on Franco's legal troubles in the Dominican Republic.

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Wander Franco gun charges, explained

On Sunday, Franco was charged with illegal possession of a handgun, per the Associated Press.

The charges stem from an incident on November 10th, when Franco was arrested for his role in an altercation in an apartment complex parking lot in San Juan de la Maguana, Dominican Republic, where guns were drawn. Police found a semiautomatic Glock 19 in Franco's vehicle, the Dominican Public Prosecutor’s Office said in a statement.

Franco's lawyer, Antonio Garcia Lorenzo, said that the weapon belonged to Franco's uncle and "there's nothing illegal about it." Prosecutors still requested that Franco stand trial for his possession of the gun.

Wander Franco sexual abuse charges, explained

Franco is currently standing trial for a separate incident, as he was charged with sexual abuse and sexual exploitation against a minor in the Dominican Republic last year. He was also accused of commercial sexual exploitation and money laundering, along with sexual and psychological abuse.

Those charges stem from a 2023 investigation, after police received a formal complaint against him alleging he had a sexual relationship with a 14-year-old girl. The case is still ongoing.

MLB placed Franco on administrative leave in August 2023, and he hasn't played in a game since. As part of his bail agreement, Franco is unable to leave the Dominican Republic.