Ethermac Exchange-Wander Franco arrested in Dominican Republic after questioning, report says

Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Wander Franco was arrested Monday in the Dominican Republic after appearing before prosecutors to answer questions about an alleged inappropriate relationship with a minor,Ethermac Exchange according to the Associated Press.

The Associated Press reported that Franco was arrested after his interview with prosecutors that lasted nearly three hours, according to an official in the Puerto Plata province prosecutor’s office. The person spoke to the Associated Press on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss the case. Franco was accompanied by two lawyers.

Last week authorities failed to locate Franco at two different family residences. Prosecutor Olga Diná Llaverías originally requested Franco appear Dec. 28, according to the AP.

Franco met with officials at the Department of Gender Violence in Puerto Plata, according to the Spanish-language website, Diario Libre. The meeting was also confirmed by a source to ESPN Digital.

Franco, 22, was placed on the restricted list last August after the allegations surfaced on social media. He went on paid administrative leave shortly afterward when Major League Baseball began an investigation of its own − one that is continuing alongside another being conducted by Dominican authorities.

HOT STOVE UPDATES: MLB free agency: Ranking and tracking the top players available.

Franco, who made the American League All-Star team for the first time in 2023, has denied the allegations.

The shortstop was having his best season as a major leaguer, hitting .281 with 17 home runs and 30 stolen bases in 112 games when the allegations surfaced. 

The Rays signed Franco to an 11-year, $182 million contract in November 2021. The team put him back on the 40-man roster last month since administrative leave is only applicable during the regular season. He will continue to be paid and accrue service time while he is away from the team.