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MLB reportedly investigating Rangers prospects on charges of sexual assault

MLB, Texas Rangers

Major League Baseball is reportedly investigating charges of sexual assault involving Texas Rangers prospects playing in the Dominican Republic.

Prosecutors in the Dominican Republic plan to charge at least four players allegedly involved in the assault, according to a Yahoo! Sports report.

Authorities in the Dominican Republic confirmed Tuesday that they are investigating the prospects, who are accused of sexually assaulting six underage teammates.

The suspects were identified as Panamanian Guillermo Villarreal, 18, and Venezuelans Yohel Pozo, 19, Adrian Pernalete, 18, and Rougned Jose Odor, 19, who is the younger brother of the MLB Rangers player with the same name.

A judge told authorities to seize their passports and ordered the four players to be available for questioning, Tessie Sanchez, a spokeswoman for the Dominican prosecutor's office, told The Associated Press.

Officials said the incident allegedly occurred in October at the Rangers' complex in the southern coastal town of Boca Chica east of the capital. The suspects reportedly posted an image on social media showing the alleged sexual assault.

Authorities declined to identify the alleged victims, who are all 16 years old. They also declined to provide details about the alleged sexual assault.

The Rangers, who reported the incident to MLB, issued a statement to ESPN that read: "The Texas Rangers became aware of an incident at our Academy in the Dominican Republic and we acted promptly to open an investigation. We have reported the incident and are cooperating fully with Major League Baseball and the authorities in the Dominican Republic. With this being an ongoing investigation, we will have no further comment at this time."

The players facing charges were placed on administrative leave under baseball's minor league domestic violence policy, according to Fox Sports.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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