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Former Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Wander Franco is the subject of more disturbing allegations regarding his alleged relationship with a minor.
According to The Associated Press, prosecutors in Franco’s native Dominican Republic have accused the 22-year-old of commercial sexual exploitation and money laundering” following allegations of a relationship with a minor, who was reportedly 14-years-old at the time.
Prosecutors requested that a judge hold Franco on an $86,000 bond, bar him from leaving the Dominican Republic and place him under house arrest. They noted that the money laundering charges stem from allegations that Franco made payments to the minor’s mother.
Prosecutors also asked that the judge prohibit the minor’s mother from leaving the country and place her under house arrest. The judge has several options: release Franco on bond, temporarily arrest him, prevent him from leaving the Dominican Republic or demand that he make occasional appearances until the investigation or a trial has ended. [via The Associated Press]
At this time, Franco — who was placed on administrative leave by the MLB in August — remains in jail in the Dominican Republic.
“Per an agreement between MLB and the MLBPA, Wander Franco has been placed on Administrative Leave until further notice as MLB continues its ongoing investigation. The administrative leave, effective immediately, is not disciplinary under the Joint Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault and Child Abuse Policy. We will comment further at the appropriate time,” MLB said in a statement back in August.
“We support any steps taken by the league to better understand the situation,” the Rays said in a statement in August. “Out of respect for all parties involved, we have no further comments at this time.”
Franco originally signed with the Rays in 2017, made his professional debut in 2021, and was named to the All-Star team last season. During his career, the right-hander has had a batting average of .282 while also hitting 30 home runs and 130 runs batted in.
Major League Baseball is still currently investigating Franco and there is no timeline for when it will conclude.