Wander Franco (centro), campocorto de los Rays de Tampa Bay, es escoltado por agentes de policía a un tribunal en Puerto Plata, República Dominicana, el viernes 5 de enero de 2024. (AP Foto/Ricardo Hernández)
SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic (AP) — Wander Franco is going through a lesser cost after a choose within the Dominican Republic analyzed proof that alleges the Tampa Bay Rays shortstop had a relationship with a 14-year-old lady and paid her mom hundreds of {dollars} for her consent.
Initially accused of business and sexual exploitation and cash laundering — fees that carry as much as 30 years, 10 years and 20 years of jail respectively — Franco now stands accused of sexual and psychological abuse, based on a choose’s decision that The Related Press obtained on Tuesday.
Franco has not been formally accused, but when discovered responsible on the brand new cost, he might face between two to 5 years in jail.
In his choice, Choose Romaldy Marcelino noticed that prosecutors gave the case in opposition to Franco a special and extra critical remedy as a result of “the accused is knowledgeable MLB participant,” he stated, referring to Main League Baseball. He didn’t elaborate.
The choose additionally decided that the cash Franco is accused of giving the teenager’s mom can’t be thought of fee for the lady’s alleged companies because the mom requested cash after discovering out about their relationship, which lasted 4 months, based on proof collected by prosecutors.
The lady’s 35-year-old mom is also charged within the case and stays beneath home arrest. The unique fees of cash laundering nonetheless stand in opposition to her. The AP just isn’t naming the girl with a purpose to protect her daughter’s privateness.
Franco was conditionally released Monday from a jail within the northern province of Puerto Plata after being detained for a week. He was ordered to pay 2 million Dominican pesos ($34,000) as a kind of deposit and is required to fulfill with authorities as soon as a month within the Dominican Republic because the investigation continues.
Franco was having an All-Star season earlier than being sidelined in August, when Dominican authorities started investigating claims he had been in a relationship with a minor. Main League Baseball launched its personal investigation, inserting Franco on the restricted record on Aug. 14 earlier than transferring him to administrative leave on Aug. 22. Each investigations are ongoing.
Franco signed a $182 million, 11-year contract in 2021. His wage final 12 months and this 12 months is $2 million per season.
Observe AP’s protection of Latin America and the Caribbean at https://apnews.com/hub/latin-america
