Wander Franco Charged with Illegal Possession of Handgun in Addition to Sexual Abuse Allegations

Wander Franco, the 24-year-old shortstop for the Tampa Bay Rays, is facing new charges of illegal possession of a handgun in addition to the ongoing trial for sexual abuse of a minor. Franco was arrested in November 2023 after an altercation in a parking lot in San Juan de la Maguana, where a semiautomatic Glock 19 handgun was found in his vehicle. The handgun was registered in the name of his uncle, according to prosecutors. Franco's trial for sexual abuse, which includes charges of kidnapping and human trafficking, is ongoing and could result in up to 30 years in prison if convicted. Franco's lawyers have argued that the handgun was licensed and therefore not illegally possessed, but prosecutors have requested that Franco stand trial on the gun charge.

Key Takeaways:

• Wander Franco, a 24-year-old shortstop for the Tampa Bay Rays, has been charged with illegal possession of a handgun in addition to allegations of sexual abuse of a minor.
• Franco was arrested in November 2023 after an altercation in a parking lot in San Juan de la Maguana, where a semiautomatic Glock 19 handgun was found in his vehicle.
• The handgun was registered in the name of Franco's uncle, according to prosecutors.
• Franco's trial for sexual abuse, which includes charges of kidnapping and human trafficking, is ongoing and could result in up to 30 years in prison if convicted.
• Franco's lawyers have argued that the handgun was licensed and therefore not illegally possessed.
• Prosecutors have requested that Franco stand trial on the gun charge.
• The charges in the sexual abuse case include sexual abuse of a minor, sexual and commercial exploitation against a minor, and human trafficking.
• Franco is currently on supervised release and is being held on the restricted list by Major League Baseball.

Statistics:

• 24 years old: the age of Wander Franco at the time of his arrest.
• 30 years: the maximum prison sentence Franco could face if convicted of the sexual abuse charges.
• 3rd major league season: the point at which Franco's career was halted due to allegations of sexual abuse.
• $182 million: the value of the 11-year contract Franco agreed to in November 2021.
• 1 handgun: the number of guns found in Franco's vehicle at the time of his arrest.
• 1 Glock 19: the type of handgun found in Franco's vehicle.

Sources:

• AP news wire
• Dominican Public Prosecutor's Office statement
• MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/mlb
• The Associated Press, Copyright 2025. All rights reserved.