SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic (AP) – Dominican prosecutors investigating Wander Franco amid allegations that the Tampa Bay Rays shortstop had an affair with a minor announced Wednesday that they will soon be investigating Wander Franco. gave evidence to the judge who is expected to rule on the future of the
A judge will analyze documents and other evidence collected during a months-long investigation and is expected to issue a verdict on Friday in a courtroom in the northern Dominican Republic's Puerto Plata state, where the alleged acts took place.
Rays' Wander Franco arrested during investigation into alleged relationship with minor: Report
The judge has several options. They could release Mr. Franco on bail, temporarily arrest him, prevent him from leaving the Dominican Republic, or require him to appear in court from time to time until the investigation and trial conclude.
The 22-year-old All-Star remains in jail after being taken into custody in Puerto Plata on Monday.
Franco's lawyer, Teodosio Jacques Encarnacion, declined to speak to reporters, saying only that Franco was doing well.
Prosecutors also declined to comment.
Authorities have not released details of the case, but prosecutors announced on August 14 that Franco was under investigation for social media posts suggesting he had relationships with minors. AP has not been able to confirm the reported post.
On December 26, police and prosecutors visited two of Franco's properties in his hometown of Bani, just southwest of the capital Santo Domingo, but the player was not there.
On December 28, prosecutors requested Franco's appearance in court, but he did not appear until Monday and was taken into custody after nearly three hours of questioning.
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Major League Baseball placed Franco on administrative leave in August under a joint domestic violence, sexual assault and child abuse policy with the players' association. He got paid and worked hours during his vacation.
MLB's investigation is not expected to reach a conclusion, and it is unclear whether its findings will lead to discipline by the organization.
