A judge has recently ordered the conditional release of Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Wander Franco, who is currently under investigation for allegations involving a relationship with a 14-year-old girl. The court documents obtained by The Associated Press reveal that Franco is being accused of providing the girl’s mother with a car and thousands of dollars in exchange for her consent. While Franco is allowed to leave the Dominican Republic, he is required to return on a monthly basis for meetings with authorities. Additionally, he has been ordered to pay a deposit of 2 million Dominican pesos ($34,000) as the investigation continues.
The allegations against Wander Franco are grave, with accusations of commercial sexual exploitation and money laundering. The judge in the case, Rumaldi Marcelino, had the task of deciding on various options. Ultimately, Franco was granted conditional release, but several restrictions were placed upon him. It is important to note that Franco’s father, also named Wander Franco, expressed his belief in justice, while supporters outside the courthouse expressed their support with applause and shouts of “Boss! Boss!”
The investigation into Wander Franco began when authorities received an anonymous tip in July 2023. Allegedly, the tip was related to a media post that hinted at the alleged relationship. However, the authenticity of this post has not been verified. Prosecutors claim that Franco took the minor away from her home in Puerto Plata in December 2022, engaging in a four-month relationship with her with the consent of the girl’s mother. According to the document, the girl stated that Franco made monthly payments of $1,700 to her mother for seven months and bought her a car, allowing their relationship to continue. The girl also allegedly requested that a local media site publish details of her alleged relationship with the baseball player, as she was frustrated with her mother’s handling of Franco’s money.
In September 2023, authorities raided the home of the girl’s mother, seizing 800,000 Dominican pesos ($13,700) and $68,500 hidden behind a frame. Moreover, a different seizure at another location uncovered a guarantee certificate from a local bank worth 2.1 million Dominican pesos ($36,000) which was delivered by Franco for the purposes of “commercial and sexual exploitation” of the girl. In addition, a Suzuki Swift car worth $26,600 was seized. These seizures are significant, particularly when considering that the girl’s mother reportedly had a bank balance of only $821 before the purchase of the car. Furthermore, she purchased property in Puerto Plata worth $36,000.
Authorities claim that Franco’s mother also played a role, sending money to the girl’s mother to cover up any involvement between her son and the accused. Surprisingly, Franco’s mother has not been charged in this case, leaving questions about her level of involvement unanswered.
Wander Franco arrived at the court in Puerto Plata surrounded by a group of journalists. Although he remained silent throughout, the atmosphere was tense as reporters peppered him with questions. The girl’s mother, who works at a local bank, also refrained from making any comments as she was escorted to the courtroom. Outside the courthouse, young Dominican players showed their support for Franco by wearing baseball attire and holding posters demanding his release.
The investigations into Wander Franco’s alleged misconduct continue, with both Major League Baseball and Dominican authorities conducting their separate inquiries. The scandal has disrupted Franco’s All-Star season, resulting in his placement on the restricted list in August. Currently, he remains on administrative leave, with the outcome of the investigations yet to be determined. It is worth noting that Franco signed a lucrative $182 million, 11-year contract in 2021.
The allegations against Wander Franco are serious and have the potential to significantly impact both his personal life and professional baseball career. While the judge has ordered his conditional release, the legal proceedings and investigations surrounding this case are far from over. Franco’s future remains uncertain as he navigates through these challenging circumstances.
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