PUERTO PLATA, Dominican Republic (AP) — Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Wander Franco appeared in a Dominican courtroom Friday to face allegations that he had a short relationship with a 14-year-old lady and gave her mom a small automotive and hundreds of {dollars} in alternate for her consent, in line with courtroom paperwork obtained by The Related Press.
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The 22-year-old All-Star is accused of economic sexual exploitation and cash laundering. A choose who’s scheduled to concern 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 expenses as Franco. The AP will not be naming the girl to be able 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 obtained a virtually 600-page doc detailing the proof that prosecutors gathered throughout a monthslong investigation.
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The athlete’s legal professionals haven’t commented aside from saying that Franco was “doing wonderful.”
Prosecutors mentioned the investigation started after they obtained an nameless tip in July 2023 stemming from somebody who noticed a media put up alluding to the connection. The AP has not been in a position to confirm the reported put up.
Authorities accuse Franco of taking the minor away from her dwelling in Puerto Plata in December 2022 and having a four-month relationship along 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 automotive “to be able to enable the connection and let her exit with him wherever she needed,” in line with the doc, which quoted the lady.
The lady additionally was quoted as saying that she had demanded for an area digital media web site to publish an merchandise about her alleged relationship with the baseball participant as a result of she was “drained” of her mom, whom she accused of taking Franco’s cash and never sharing any of it along with her.
Days later, Franco printed a stay video alleging it was a scheme to extort cash from him, the doc said.
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 an area 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 line with the doc. Authorities famous that days earlier than the automotive 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 though they mentioned she received 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 a gaggle of journalists that peppered with him questions. The lady’s mom, who works at an area financial institution and was carrying sun shades, additionally declined remark as she was escorted to a courtroom.
Exterior, a small group of younger Dominican gamers donned in baseball apparel gathered to help Franco, carrying posters that learn, “Free Franco,” and “All of us are Franco.”
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Youth baseball gamers from the native crew “Liga deportiva Antera Mota” present help for Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Wander Franco with posters that learn in Spanish: “Free Franco,” and “All of us are Franco.” outdoors the courtroom the place he arrived in Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic, Friday, Jan. 5, 2024. Dominican prosecutors on Wednesday accused Franco of economic sexual exploitation and cash laundering following allegations that he had a relationship with a minor whose mom additionally faces the identical expenses. (AP Picture/Ricardo Hernández) -
Youth baseball gamers from the native crew “Liga deportiva Antera Mota” present help for Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Wander Franco with posters that learn in Spanish: “Free Franco,” and “Right here we’re all Franco.” outdoors the courtroom the place he arrived in Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic, Friday, Jan. 5, 2024. Dominican prosecutors on Wednesday accused Franco of economic sexual exploitation and cash laundering following allegations that he had a relationship with a minor whose mom additionally faces the identical expenses. (AP Picture/Ricardo Hernández) -
Youth baseball gamers from the native crew “Liga deportiva Antera Mota” present help for Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Wander Franco with posters that learn in Spanish: “Free Franco,” and “All of us are Franco.” outdoors the courtroom the place he arrived in Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic, Friday, Jan. 5, 2024. Dominican prosecutors on Wednesday accused Franco of economic sexual exploitation and cash laundering following allegations that he had a relationship with a minor whose mom additionally faces the identical expenses. (AP Picture/Ricardo Hernández)
Franco was having an All-Star season earlier than being sidelined in August, when authorities within the Dominican Republic 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 shifting him to administrative leave on Aug. 22. Each investigations are ongoing.
Franco signed a $182 million, 11-year contract in 2021. His wage final yr and this yr is $2 million per season.
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