Tampa Bay Rays’ shortstop Wander Franco finds himself entangled in a legal saga, with allegations of a relationship with a 14-year-old girl casting a shadow over his status in the Dominican Republic.
In a recent development, a judge in Franco’s native country ruled that he can leave but must return monthly for meetings with authorities. The judge also imposed a fine of approximately $34,000 as the investigation into Franco’s alleged involvement in commercial sexual exploitation and money laundering unfolds. The accusations suggest that Franco provided money and a car to the girl’s mother in exchange for her consent.
A Dominican judge on Friday ordered the conditional release of Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Wander Franco while he is investigated for allegations he had a brief relationship with a 14-year-old girl. https://t.co/sglSbsU2Ke
— 48 Hours (@48hours) January 6, 2024
While the mother faces similar allegations and is under house arrest, Franco, despite not being formally charged, remains under the scrutiny of prosecutors gathering evidence over the past few months. The comprehensive findings, encompassing nearly 600 pages, were presented to the judge.
The controversy surfaced on social media in July when the girl, upset over financial matters, disclosed the alleged relationship. Franco contends that the situation is an extortion attempt, emphasizing the financial motives behind the accusations.
The repercussions on Franco’s professional career have been significant. Placed on MLB’s restricted list and subsequently on administrative leave in August, the young shortstop has been sidelined since. This setback follows Franco’s promising start, with the Rays securing his services in a substantial $182 million deal spanning 11 years back in 2021. As the legal proceedings continue, the cloud of uncertainty looms over Franco’s future both on and off the baseball field.