tampa bay rays Shortstop Wander Franco appeared before a judge in the Dominican Republic on Friday to report to authorities once a month and pay $34,000 as he continues to face charges of commercial sexual exploitation and money laundering. He was ordered to be released on conditions.
Franco, 22, who was placed on administrative leave in August as MLB investigates allegations that he had an inappropriate relationship with an underage girl, appeared in court in Puerto Plata on Friday morning.
Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Wander Franco before a game against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field on June 27, 2023 in Phoenix, Arizona. (Mark J. Revillas/USA Today Sports)
after being detained Earlier this week, before appearing in court, Franco was surrounded by members of the media and led away in handcuffs by police.
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The prosecution argued as follows. MLB All Star According to the Associated Press, the girl had a four-month relationship with the minor and removed her from her home in December 2022 with the consent of the girl's mother. It also alleges that Franco made payments to the girl's mother during this time.
A subsequent search of the girl's home uncovered $13,700 in cash and $68,500 hidden behind a picture frame, according to the Associated Press.
During a second raid at another home, police found a $36,000 surety bond issued by a local bank, which they claimed Franco had handed over for the “commercial and sexual exploitation” of the girl. did.
Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Wander Franco (center) is escorted by police to a courtroom in Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic, on Friday, January 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Ricardo Hernandez)
Prosecutors also alleged that the mother owned a car worth $26,600 and purchased property in Puerto Plata worth $36,000.
The girl's mother also faces similar accusations as Franco, according to the Associated Press. She was ordered to be placed under house arrest while her investigation continues.
Rays' Wander Franco's future is up in the air as Dominican officials consider next steps
Franco has not been charged and is allowed to leave the country, but is ordered to report to Dominican authorities once a month. As part of the agreement, he was also ordered to pay $34,000.
ESPN previously reported that Monday's arrest was for failing to appear before prosecutors. At least two people have filed legal cases against the baseball player, and sources told ESPN he is being investigated for an alleged relationship with a third minor.
Wander Franco of the Tampa Bay Rays reacts before the first inning of a game against the New York Yankees on August 1, 2023 at Yankee Stadium in New York City. (Adam Hanger/Getty Images)
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Franco last played in a game on August 12th. He was placed on administrative leave under MLB and the Players Association's joint domestic violence, sexual assault, and child abuse policy.
The Rays expressed support for MLB's investigation, but have not commented on the matter since.
Franco was named an All-Star for the first time this season. He signed an 11-year, $182 million contract extension in November 2021, but with a team option in 2033, he could be worth $233 million at the end of his contract.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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