MLB
Published January 4, 2024, 12:26 a.m. ET
According to a new report, Wander Franco is being accused by Dominican Republic prosecutors of commercial sexual exploitation and money laundering after he was accused of having an inappropriate relationship with a minor.
The money laundering charges stem from allegations that Franco made payments to the minor's mother, who also faces exploitation and money laundering charges, the Associated Press reported.
According to the AP, prosecutors have asked that a judge hold Franco on $86,000 bail, place him under house arrest and prevent him from leaving the country.
In addition, prosecutors have requested that the minor's mother be prevented from leaving the Dominican Republic and placed under house arrest.
“In the application submitted to the Permanent Supervisory Authority of this judicial district, the Ministry of State has requested that a financial guarantee of five million pesos be imposed on Franco as a coercive measure, together with a ban on leaving the country and a house arrest.”… These measures requested by the Ministry of State aim to achieve this “to ensure the integrity of the process,” the ministry said in a statement.
Rays' Wander Franco looks on during a baseball game on August 13, 2023. AP
Franco's immediate future could be decided by Friday, when a judge in the province of Puerto Plata is expected to decide whether to release the Rays' shortstop on bail, temporarily detain him, prevent him from leaving the country or force him to make occasional visits until then Investigation or trial is completed.
The judge could dismiss the case if it turns out there isn't enough evidence to proceed, the Tampa Bay Times reported.
Franco, 22, has been in jail since Monday, when he was arrested for failing to appear for a summons last Thursday.
On Wednesday, prosecutors presented evidence to a judge that will help them decide Franco's future.
The judge will review documents and other evidence collected during the several-month investigation.
Officials in the Dominican Republic announced Aug. 14 that they had opened an investigation into the infielder after social media posts accusing Franco of having a relationship with a minor.
Prosecutors have not said much since the investigation began, and Franco's attorney declined to comment other than to say the 2023 American League All-Star is doing well, according to the AP.
Wander Franco was arrested earlier this week. ZUMAPRESS.com
The allegations first surfaced on social media on August 13th.
That same day, he appeared to deny the allegations in an Instagram Live video, but has not commented publicly since.
“They say that I'm in public with a little girl, that I'm walking around with a minor,” Franco said in Spanish in the social media video, according to the Tampa Bay Times. “People don’t know what to do with their time. They don't know what they're talking about.
“That’s why I prefer to be on my side and not get involved with anyone… because people gossip and talk badly.”
Wander Franco is also being investigated by the MLB. Charles Wenzelberg/New York Post
Franco has not played since the allegations emerged and has been placed on leave with the players' association as part of MLB's policies on domestic violence, sexual assault and child abuse.
MLB is also in the process of investigating Franco.
The Rays removed his likeness from the area around Tropicana Field and he was also removed from advertising by the Rays and broadcaster Bally Sports.
— With AP
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