Tampa Bay Lightning Shortstop Wander Franco appeared before a judge in the Dominican Republic on Friday and was ordered released on the condition that he appear before authorities once a month and pay $34,000 as he continues to face accusations of commercial sexual exploitation and money laundering.
Franco, 22, who was placed on administrative leave in August while MLB investigated allegations that he had inappropriate relationships with underage girls, arrived at court in Puerto Plata on Friday morning.
Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Wander Franco before a game against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field in Phoenix, Arizona, on June 27, 2023. (Mark J. Rebilas/USA Today Sports)
After being arrested Earlier in the week, Franco was escorted away by police in handcuffs as members of the media surrounded him before his appearance.
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Prosecutors alleged that the MLB All-Star Game He had a four-month relationship with a minor and, in December 2022, he took her from his home with the consent of the girl’s mother, according to The Associated Press. They also alleged that, during this time, Franco made payments to the girl’s mother.
A subsequent raid on the girl’s home uncovered $13,700 in cash and $68,500 that they said was found hidden behind a picture frame, according to the AP.
In a second raid at another home, police found a guarantee certificate from a local bank for $36,000 that they said was provided by Franco for the “commercial and sexual exploitation” of the girl.
Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Wander Franco, center, is escorted by police to court in Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic, Friday, Jan. 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Ricardo Hernández)
Prosecutors also claimed that the mother had a car valued at $26,600 and purchased property in Puerto Plata worth $36,000.
According to the Associated Press, the girl’s mother faces the same accusations as Franco. She was ordered placed under house arrest while she continues the investigation.
LOS RAYOS WANDER FRANCO’S FUTURE IN LIMBO AS DOMINICAN OFFICIALS CONSIDER NEXT STEPS
Franco, who has not been charged, can leave the country but was ordered to report to Dominican Republic authorities once a month. As part of the agreement, he was also ordered to pay $34,000.
According to previous reports from ESPN, his arrest on Monday was due to his failure to appear before the prosecutor. At least two people have filed legal action against the baseball player, and sources told ESPN that he is being investigated for an alleged relationship with a third minor.
Wander Franco of the Tampa Bay Rays reacts against the New York Yankees before the first inning at Yankee Stadium on August 1, 2023 in New York City. (Adam Hunger/Getty Images)
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Franco last played in a game on August 12. He was placed on leave under MLB’s joint domestic violence, sexual assault and child abuse policy with the players’ association.
The Rays expressed support for MLB’s investigation but have not commented on the matter since.
Franco was an All-Star for the first time this season. He signed an 11-year, $182 million contract extension in November 2021, but a team option in 2033 could make the deal worth $233 million when it’s up.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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