Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Wander Franco, heart, is escorted by police to courtroom in Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic Friday, Jan. 5, 2024. Dominican prosecutors on Wednesday accused Franco of business sexual exploitation and cash laundering following allegations that he had a relationship with a minor whose mom additionally faces the identical fees. (AP Picture/Ricardo Hernández)
PUERTO PLATA, Dominican Republic (AP) — Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Wander Franco appeared in a Dominican courtroom Friday to face allegations that he had a quick relationship with a 14-year-old lady and gave her mom a small automobile and hundreds of {dollars} in alternate for her consent, in keeping with courtroom paperwork obtained by The Related Press.
The 22-year-old All-Star is accused of business sexual exploitation and cash laundering. A choose who’s scheduled to situation a ruling within the case on Friday has a number of choices: launch Franco on bond, briefly arrest him, forestall him from leaving the Dominican Republic or demand that he make occasional appearances till the investigation or a trial has ended.
The lady’s mom faces the identical fees as Franco. The AP will not be naming the lady with a view to protect her daughter’s privateness.
Franco, who was detained Monday within the northern province of Puerto Plata, hasn’t been charged with any crimes. The choose has acquired a virtually 600-page doc detailing the proof that prosecutors gathered throughout a monthslong investigation.
The athlete’s legal professionals haven’t commented aside from saying that Franco was “doing nice.”
Prosecutors mentioned the investigation started after they acquired an nameless tip stemming from somebody who noticed a social media submit alluding to the connection. The AP has not been in a position to confirm the reported submit.
Authorities accuse Franco of taking the minor away from her residence in Puerto Plata in December 2022 and having a four-month relationship together with her with consent from the lady’s mom.
They accuse Franco of sending the mom month-to-month funds of $1,700 for seven months and shopping for her a automobile “with a view to permit the connection and let her exit with him wherever she needed,” in keeping with the doc, which quoted the lady.
In September 2023, authorities raided the house of the lady’s mom and seized 800,000 Dominican pesos ($13,700) in addition to $68,500 they mentioned was discovered hidden behind a body. Additionally they discovered a assure certificates from a neighborhood 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 lady.
As well as, they seized a Suzuki Swift price $26,600, in keeping 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.
Authorities additionally state that Franco’s mom had despatched cash to the lady’s mom, however she has not been charged within the case despite the fact that they mentioned she acquired concerned “to keep away from traces of her son with the accused.”
Franco arrived at a courtroom in Puerto Plata on Friday morning and remained silent whereas being escorted by means of a gaggle of journalists that peppered with him questions. The lady’s mom, who was sporting sun shades, additionally declined remark as she was escorted to a courtroom.
Exterior, a small group of Dominican youngsters donned in baseball apparel gathered to help Franco, carrying posters that learn, “Free Franco,” and “All of us are Franco.”
Main League Baseball positioned Franco on administrative go away in August below its the joint home violence, sexual assault and baby abuse coverage with the gamers’ affiliation. He was paid and acquired service time whereas on go away.
There isn’t a timetable for a conclusion of the MLB’s investigation and whether or not the outcomes may result in disciplinary measures from the commissioner’s workplace.
Coto reported from San Juan, Puerto Rico
