The pedophilia saga of Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Wander Franco has entered a new phase as the baseball star has been arrested in the Dominican Republic shortly after appearing before prosecutors who were investigating him over allegations that he had inappropriate relationships with minors.

However, ESPN noted that the meeting with prosecutor Dominican Republic Olga Dina Llaverias came after days of not showing up to scheduled meetings with her. He was accompanied by two of his lawyers in that meeting, which reportedly lasted for approximately three hours last Monday.

Originally, the Tampa Bay Rays star was scheduled to meet with the prosecutor on December 28. However, he did not show up but finally did on New Year's Day. Two days prior to the scheduled meeting that Franco did not show up to, prosecutors and police visited two of Franco's properties in Baní, the All-Star player's hometown, to request a meeting with him.

A source told ESPN that Wander Franco was arrested shortly after finally showing up to the meeting, and this was because he did not show up to the scheduled Thursday meeting. He must be brought before a judge within 48 hours, per the law of the Dominican Republic.

For now, he has not faced any charges yet regarding the allegations of inappropriate relationships with minors.

The Wander Franco Allegations That Caused a Massive Scandal in the Dominican Republic

As an MLB All-Star, Wander Franco is widely celebrated in his home country of the Dominican Republic as one of the best players in the world. However, a post on social media soon raised eyebrows in the Caribbean country and led to him being investigated.

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According to Fox Sports, the Dominican Republic's prosecutors' office revealed last August 14 that the Tampa Bay Rays star was under investigation because of postings on his social media accounts. These posts suggested that he had a relationship with a minor, though this post has not been verified yet.

At least two people have already filed legal action against Wander Franco in the Dominican Republic. However, Franco is not just being investigated for having a relationship with the two who have filed, but also a third one. There has been no formal complaint with this third minor yet, though.

Tampa Bay Rays Declined To Comment on Wander Franco Scandal

Following reports of his arrest in the Dominican Republic, the Tampa Bay Times tried to reach out to his current team. However, the Tampa Bay Rays have stated they have no comment regarding the latest reports on their All-Star shortstop.

After the allegations surfaced, Franco initially agreed to take a one-week leave from the Rays in August as Major League Baseball investigated the case. He was eventually placed on administrative leave under the league and players union's Joint Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault and Child Abuse Policy.

Franco was once the face of the franchise but has since been removed from advertising and merchandise.

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Written by: Rick Martin

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