Rays' Wander Franco charged with human trafficking, sexual crimes against a minor, report says

Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Wander Franco had an additional charge of human trafficking added Wednesday to his list of alleged crimes in the Dominican Republic.

News of the human trafficking charge, which carries a potential sentence of up to 20 years in prison, came less than 24 hours after he was formally charged with sexual abuse and sexual exploitation against a minor, according to reports from ESPN.

ESPN was the first to report the human trafficking charge on Wednesday.

Update: Through a press release, Dominican authorities indicate that in addition to the crimes of sexual abuse and sexual exploitation against a minor, #WanderFranco is being accused of human trafficking.

This crime has penalties up to 20 years in prison.

— Juan Arturo Recio (@JuanRecioM) July 10, 2024