Rays' Franco charged with gun possession in D.R.

SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic -- Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Wander Franco, who's presently connected proceedings connected charges including intersexual maltreatment of a minor, was charged Sunday with amerciable possession of a handgun, prosecutors said.

Franco was arrested Nov. 10 successful San Juan de la Maguana aft an altercation successful a parking lot. No 1 was injured during the fight, and the handgun, a semiautomatic Glock 19, was recovered successful Franco's vehicle, according to a connection from the Dominican Public Prosecutor's Office.

The handgun was registered successful the sanction of Franco's uncle, prosecutors said successful the statement. After the arrest, Antonio Garcia Lorenzo, 1 of Franco's lawyers, said that due to the fact that the weapon was licensed, "there's thing amerciable astir it."

Prosecutors requested that Franco basal proceedings connected the weapon charge.

When reached by ESPN connected Sunday night, the Rays said they had nary remark connected the matter.

The 24-year-old Franco's proceedings successful the intersexual maltreatment lawsuit -- involving a miss who was 14 years aged astatine the clip of his alleged crimes -- is ongoing. The charges successful that lawsuit see intersexual maltreatment of a minor, intersexual and commercialized exploitation against a minor, and quality trafficking.

According to prosecutors, Franco kidnapped the miss for intersexual purposes and "sent ample sums of wealth to her mother."

Franco, who is connected supervised release, faces up to 30 years successful situation if convicted.

Franco was playing his 3rd large league play erstwhile his vocation was halted successful August 2023 due to the fact that of the allegations. He agreed to an 11-year, $182 cardinal declaration successful November 2021. He is presently connected Major League Baseball's restricted list.

ESPN's Juan Arturo Recio contributed to this report.