Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Wander Franco has been ordered conditional release by a Dominican judge while he is being investigated for allegations of having a brief relationship with a 14-year-old girl and providing her mother with a small car and thousands of dollars in exchange for her consent. The judge stated that Franco is permitted to leave the Dominican Republic, but must return once a month to meet with authorities. The 22-year-old All-Star, who was expected to be released early Saturday, did not speak to reporters after the hearing.
Franco is facing accusations of commercial sexual exploitation and money laundering. The girl's 35-year-old mother is also facing the same charges as Franco. In order to protect the girl's privacy, the woman is not being named by the Associated Press. Franco has not been charged with any crimes, but the judge has received a nearly 600-page document containing evidence gathered by prosecutors during a months-long investigation. Franco's lawyers have not made any comments on the case, other than stating that he is "doing fine."
The investigation into Franco began after prosecutors received an anonymous tip in July 2023, which referenced a media post alluding to the relationship. However, the AP has been unable to verify the existence of the reported post. Authorities allege that Franco took the minor away from her home in Puerto Plata in December 2022 and had a four-month relationship with her with the consent of the girl's mother. According to the document, the girl stated that Franco sent her mother monthly payments of $1,700 for seven months and bought her a car to enable their relationship. The girl also claimed that she demanded a local digital media site publish an article about her alleged relationship with Franco because she was “tired” of her mother, whom she accused of taking Franco's money without sharing it with her. In response to the allegations, Franco published a live video claiming that it was an extortion attempt.
During a raid of the girl's mother's home in September 2023, authorities seized 800,000 Dominican pesos ($13,700) and $68,500, which was found hidden behind a frame. Another seizure at a different location uncovered a guarantee certificate from a local bank worth 2.1 million Dominican pesos ($36,000), which prosecutors claim was delivered by Franco for the purpose of the girl's "commercial and sexual exploitation." Additionally, a Suzuki Swift worth $26,600 was seized. Authorities noted that the girl's mother had only $821 in her bank account a few days before the car was purchased. They also discovered that the mother had bought property in Puerto Plata worth $36,000. While Franco's mother had sent money to the girl's mother, she has not been charged in the case, although authorities stated that she became involved "to avoid traces of her son with the accused."
Franco appeared in court in Puerto Plata on Friday morning and remained silent as he was escorted through a group of journalists. The girl's mother, who works at a local bank and was wearing sunglasses, also declined to comment as she was escorted to a courtroom. Outside the court, a small group of young Dominican players showed their support for Franco, carrying posters that read “Free Franco” and "We all are Franco."
Franco's career has been put on hold since August, when authorities in the Dominican Republic began investigating the allegations against him. Major League Baseball (MLB) has also launched its own investigation and placed Franco on the restricted list on August 14, before moving him to administrative leave. Both investigations are ongoing. Franco signed an $182 million, 11-year contract in 2021, with a salary of $2 million per season for last year and this year.
The accusations against Franco include commercial sexual exploitation and money laundering, as prosecutors allege that he made payments to the minor's mother. The prosecutor's office has requested that Franco be held on an $86,000 bond, placed under house arrest, and prevented from leaving the country. They have also requested the same measures for the minor's mother. The judge in Puerto Plata is expected to rule on Franco's future, which could include release on bond, temporary arrest, travel restrictions, or occasional visits until the investigation or trial is completed. The judge could also dismiss the case if there is insufficient evidence to proceed.
Franco has been in jail since Monday when he was arrested for failing to appear for a summons. Prosecutors presented evidence to the judge on Wednesday, which will help determine Franco's fate. The investigation into Franco began in August after social media posts accused him of having a relationship with a minor. Franco appeared to deny the allegations in an Instagram Live video on the same day, but has not made any public comments since. MLB's joint domestic violence, sexual assault, and child abuse policy, along with the players' association, placed Franco on administrative leave, and MLB is conducting its own investigation. The Rays have removed Franco's likeness from around Tropicana Field, and he has been removed from ads by the team and broadcaster Bally Sports.
