Rays star Wander Franco accused of sexual exploitation of minor and money laundering
Rays star Wander Franco is at the center of a shocking scandal involving allegations of sexual exploitation of a minor and money laundering, following a 63-page filing by prosecutors in the Dominican Republic. The filing alleges Franco had a sexual relationship with a 14-year-old girl and made regular payments to the girl’s mother, which she used to purchase property, a 2023 sedan, and electronic devices.
According to the filing, the minor told a psychologist as part of the ongoing investigation that her mother exploited her for personal gain and received monthly deposits and a car in exchange for allowing the relationship to continue and remaining silent about it. Prosecutors have accused both Franco and the mother of the minor of commercial sexual exploitation and money laundering.
Franco arrived in court in handcuffs for his first appearance before a judge. While prosecutors asked that he be prohibited from leaving the country, the judge ordered Franco’s conditional release. He will have to pay a financial guarantee equivalent to about $34,000 and make monthly visits to the court for six months. The judge ordered house arrest for the mother of the girl.
The case is still ongoing, with authorities alleging that Franco sent monthly payments and bought a car for the girl’s mother to allow the relationship, stating that Franco’s mother also made payments to avoid traces of her son’s involvement.
Allegations against Franco first came to light in August and he has been on administrative leave under Major League Baseball’s Joint Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault, and Child Abuse Policy. The investigation and legal proceedings will determine the impact of these allegations on Franco’s career and future actions.