Wander Franco, the Tampa Bay Rays’ shortstop, was officially accused of sexual abuse and exploitation of a minor on Tuesday in the Dominican Republic, as reported by ESPN. Both Franco and the minor are natives of the Dominican Republic.

Kelmin Duncan, a prosecutor from the Puerto Plata District Office, and a spokesperson from the attorney general’s office confirmed to ESPN that Wander Franco has been formally accused of sexual abuse and exploitation. The accusations stem from an investigation initiated in July 2023 after a complaint alleged that Franco, now 23 years old, had engaged in a sexual relationship with a minor. A second complaint, filed a month later, echoed similar accusations. Initially facing charges of commercial sexual exploitation and money laundering as of January 3, Franco’s charges were later reduced to sexual and psychological abuse by a judge on January 9.

Major League Baseball (MLB) and the MLB Players’ Association extended Wander Franco’s administrative leave until the upcoming Sunday to allow Dominican authorities more time to handle his case. Franco has been absent from the Tampa Bay Rays since August 14, 2023, initially placed on the restricted list and later placed on administrative leave starting March 28. In addition to the ongoing criminal investigation by Dominican authorities, MLB has conducted its own inquiry into the allegations. MLB’s investigation is expected to conclude after the criminal case is resolved. There remains a possibility that Franco’s administrative leave could be extended further, and MLB may impose sanctions based on the findings of its investigation. Franco, a former All-Star, spent three seasons with the Rays, achieving career highs in home runs (17), RBIs (58), and stolen bases (30) last year, and earning a spot on the American League All-Star team.