Former St. Louis Cardinals outfielder Juan Encarnacion charged with sexual assault

When last we saw Juan Encarnacion, the former St. Louis Cardinals outfielder had his career come to an end due to a freak accident. He was struck in the eye with a foul ball while in the on deck circle, suffering multiple fractures to his left eye socket and the eye itself. Encarnacion had returned to the Dominican Republic, being involved with his charity and in politics.

Encarnacion is back in the news again, although this time, it is not for a positive reason. He is accused of sexually assaulting his daughter in May, and is currently in custody in the Dominican Republic, where he was scheduled to go before a judge on Saturday.

Former St. Louis Cardinals outfielder Juan Encarnacion facing serious charges

According to the charges, Encarnacion had entered her bedroom while she was sleeping and began touching her. According to the Dominican Penal Code, his actions violated their laws against incest, and carry a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison.

As it is, the nature of the accusation makes it so that Encarnacion will not be eligible to be released on bail. Additionally, authorities had requested that he spend a year in prison as a preventative sentence, which would help ensure that he has no contact with his daughter prior to the trial.

Encarnacion had been a solid player before his career came to a sudden end. He had spent 11 years in the majors, producing a respectable .270/.317/.441 batting line with 156 homers, 242 doubles, and 127 steals. He was also a solid defensive player, the first player in Marlins’ history to have a perfect fielding percentage over the course of a season. Encarnacion also spent time with the Reds and Tigers, having been ranked as one of the best prospects in the game prior to the 1998 season.

Those accomplishments are far behind him now. His charitable works will be looked upon with skepticism. While he still needs to go to trial for these accusations, the damage has been done.

Former St. Louis Cardinals outfielder Juan Encarnacion has been charged with sexually assaulting his daughter. If true, this horrendous crime should not go unpunished.