Wander Franco is being accused of commercial sexual exploitation and money laundering by Dominican Republic prosecutors following allegations that he had an inappropriate relationship with a minor, according to a new report.
The money laundering charges stem from allegations that Franco had made payments to the minor’s mother, who is also facing exploitation and money laundering charges, the Associated Press reported.
Prosecutors have requested a judge hold Franco on an $86,000 bond, put him on house arrest and prevent him from leaving the country, according to the AP.
Additionally, prosecutors have asked for the minor’s mother to be kept from leaving the Dominican Republic and put on house arrest.
“In the request filed with the Permanent Attention Office of this jurisdiction, the Public Ministry has requested that a financial guarantee of five million pesos be imposed on Franco as a measure of coercion, along with prohibition of departure and house arrest. … These measures requested by the Public Ministry seek to guarantee the integrity of the process,” the ministry said in a statement.
Franco’s immediate future could be determined by Friday when a judge in the province of Puerto Plata is expected to rule whether to release the Rays shortstop on bond, arrest him temporarily, prevent him from leaving the country or force him to make occasional visits up until the investigation or trial is completed.
The judge could dismiss the case if it’s found there isn’t enough evidence to move forward, the Tampa Bay Times reported.
Franco, 22, has remained in jail since Monday, when he was arrested for failing to appear for a summons last Thursday.
Prosecutors presented a judge with evidence on Wednesday that will help them make the determination on Franco’s future.
The judge will go through documents and other evidence that was collected during the investigation, which has spanned several months.
Officials in the Dominican Republic announced on Aug. 14 that they had launched an investigation into the infielder following posts on social media that accused Franco of having a relationship with a minor.
Prosecutors have not said much since the investigation was launched, and Franco’s attorney declined comment other than to say that the 2023 American League All-Star was fine, according to The AP.
The allegations first appeared on social media on Aug. 13.
He appeared to deny the allegations in an Instagram Live video that same day, but he has not commented publicly since.
“They say that I’m in public with a little girl, that I’m running around with a minor,” Franco said in the social media video in Spanish, according to the Tampa Bay Times. “People don’t know what to do with their time. They don’t know what they’re talking about.
“That’s why I prefer to be on my side and not get involved with anybody … because people gossip and talk smack.”
Franco has not played since the allegations came to light and was placed on administrative leave under MLB’s joint domestic violence, sexual assault and child abuse policy with the players’ association.
MLB is also in the middle of investigating Franco.
The Rays removed his likeness from around Tropicana Field, and he was also scrubbed from ads by the Rays and broadcaster Bally Sports.
— With AP
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