Was Wander Franco involved in human trafficking? A deeper probe into new charges against Rays shortstop

Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Wander Franco's legal problems keep piling up. After being formally charged with sexual abuse and sexual exploitation against a minor in the Dominican Republic, Franco has also been charged with illicit migrant smuggling and human trafficking, the Ministerio Público said in a statement on Wednesday.

These are serious allegations against the shortstop and carry prison time of up to 20 years if proven guilty on those counts.

“The Public Ministry's accusation against Franco is for commercial sexual exploitation of a minor and against the teenager's mother for money laundering,” the Public Ministry reported on Tuesday (via AP, translated to English).

Human trafficking is an unlawful act made by the perpetrator for the purpose of forced labor, sexual slavery, or commercial sexual exploitation. The term "commercial sexual exploitation" was used in the official Public Ministry report, which means that Franco is alleged to be involved in human trafficking.

MLB closely following Wander Franco's case, releases statement after the shortstop was charged

Wander Franco has not played an MLB game since Aug. 12, 2023. After that, allegations about money laundering and sexual exploitation of minors hit the headlines, which forced the league to put him on administrative leave ever since.

After the news of the shortstop being charged first surfaced, MLB issued a statement, saying they are closely following the developments in his case.

"We are aware of the charges against Mr. Franco," MLB said in a statement. "Our investigation remains open, and we will continue to closely monitor the case as it moves forward."

According to the Tampa Bay Times, the Rays have placed Wander Franco on the restricted list, which means the shortstop won't be earning any service time. He was in his third year of the 11-year, $182 million contract signed with the Rays.

As per a report by ESPN, Franco allegedly started having a relationship with a 14-year-old minor while he was 21. In the prosecutor's filing, Franco is also alleged to have paid the girl's mother $1,700 monthly. She has been charged with money laundering.