Tampa Bay Rays Shortstop Wander Franco Accused of Commercial Sexual Exploitation and Money Laundering in Dominican Republic
SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic — Wander Franco, the 22-year-old shortstop for the Tampa Bay Rays, has been accused by Dominican prosecutors of commercial sexual exploitation and money laundering. The allegations stem from Franco’s alleged relationship with a minor, whose mother is also facing the same charges.
Prosecutors have requested an $86,000 bond for Franco, as well as imposing a travel ban and placing him under house arrest. They have also asked for the same measures to be applied to the minor’s mother.
“These measures requested by the Public Ministry seek to guarantee the integrity of the process,” the ministry said in a statement, emphasizing the seriousness of the case.
The judge in charge of the case is expected to rule on Franco’s future on Friday after analyzing the evidence presented by prosecutors. The alleged crimes occurred in the northern Dominican Republic province of Puerto Plata, where the judge will be holding the hearing.
Franco has been in jail since his detention on Monday in Puerto Plata. His attorney, Teodosio Jaquez Encarnación, declined to speak to the media but stated that Franco is doing fine. Meanwhile, prosecutors have also refrained from commenting on the case.
The case against Franco began in August after social media postings suggested that he had a relationship with a minor. Authorities visited two of Franco’s properties on Dec. 26, but he was not present at the time. He only appeared for questioning on Monday following a request from a prosecutor.
In response to the allegations, Major League Baseball placed Franco on administrative leave in August under its joint domestic violence, sexual assault and child abuse policy. He has continued to receive pay and service time while on leave, with no timetable for the conclusion of MLB’s investigation into the matter and any possible disciplinary actions.
The case has prompted widespread concern and is being closely watched, both in the Dominican Republic and in the United States, where Franco has made a name for himself as a rising star in baseball.