Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Wander Franco was launched from jail Monday, per week after being arrested in his native Dominican Republic, per the Related Press. Franco is allowed to depart the nation, however he should return “as soon as a month to to satisfy with authorities.” Franco additionally needed to pay roughly $34,000 as deposit for his conditional launch within the association. The investigation into his alleged relationship with a 14-year-old woman continues.
On Wednesday, Dominican prosecutors delivered some 600 pages of proof to the choose that reportedly allege the MLB All-Star had a relationship with the 14-year-old and on the similar time offered the woman’s mom with money funds and a automobile in change for her consenting to the connection together with her daughter. Prosecutors accused Franco of “industrial sexual exploitation” and cash laundering.
Franco had remained in jail final week and weekend, per the AP.
The arrest stemmed from Franco’s failure to look at summons in late December — an necessary distinction because it means Franco was not detained because of an development within the ongoing investigation.
The AP reviews that prosecutors are accusing Franco of “taking the minor away from her house in Puerto Plata in December 2022 and having a four-month relationship together with her with consent from the woman’s mom.” Extra from the AP:
In September 2023, authorities raided the house of the woman’s mom and seized 800,000 Dominican pesos ($13,700) in addition to $68,500 they mentioned was discovered hidden behind a body. In addition they discovered a assure certificates from an area financial institution for two.1 million Dominican pesos ($36,000) that they mentioned was delivered by Franco for the “industrial and sexual exploitation” of the woman.
As well as, they seized a Suzuki Swift value $26,600, in line with the doc. Authorities famous that days earlier than the automobile was purchased, {the teenager}’s mom had the equal of $821 in her checking account.
As effectively, prosecutors declare that Franco’s mom additionally made money funds to the woman’s mom, though she has not but been charged.
The Rays issued no remark to the Tampa Bay Instances when requested in regards to the newest developments.
ESPN reported in late December that a minimum of two individuals have “filed authorized motion” in opposition to Franco, and {that a} third had accused him of improper conduct with out but looking for authorized motion. Dominican authorities and MLB have continued to research the allegations made in opposition to him.
Franco was positioned on Main League Baseball’s Restricted Listing in August after he was first accused of the improper relationship on social media. Franco continued to be paid for the remainder of the season regardless of not showing in a recreation after Aug. 12. The Rays, in what amounted to a paper transfer, activated him to the 40-player roster firstly of the offseason. MLB additionally has its personal investigation into Franco, which is ongoing.
“We assist any steps taken by the league to higher perceive the state of affairs,” the Rays mentioned in an announcement in August. “Out of respect for all events concerned, we now have no additional feedback at the moment.”
Franco signed an 11-year extension value $182 million with the Rays in November 2021. He made the MLB All-Star Sport this previous summer time.
