Dominican judge grants conditional release for Rays' Wander Franco at Friday hearing
TAMPA, Fla. - A Dominican judge ordered the conditional release of Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Wander Franco on Friday while he is investigated for an alleged relationship with a 14-year-old girl.
Franco, who has been in jail since Monday, was arrested after he missed a meeting with law enforcement last week. He reportedly ignored a summons to show up and answer questions from prosecutors after hiring new attorneys.
Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Wander Franco, center, is escorted by police to court in Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic Friday, Jan. 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Ricardo Hernández)
The judge said Wander is permitted to leave the country but must return once a month to meet with authorities. The 22-year-old baseball star did not speak to reporters after Friday's hearing ended.
Dominican prosecutors accused Franco of commercial sexual exploitation and money laundering following allegations that he had a relationship with a minor whose mother also faces the same charges.
Wander was also ordered to pay two million Dominican pesos, or $34,000, as a sort of deposit.
The All-Star baseball player is accused of commercial sexual exploitation and money laundering. The 14-year-old child's mother was ordered held under house arrest, according to the Associated Press.
Prosecutors requested that a judge hold Franco on an $86,000 bond, bar him from leaving the Dominican Republic and place him under house arrest. They noted the money laundering charges stem from allegations that Franco made payments to the minor’s mother.
The judge in the case was presented with multiple options for a ruling: release Franco on bond, temporarily arrest him, prevent him from leaving the country, or demand he make occasional appearances until the investigation or trial ends.
"These measures requested by the Public Ministry seek to guarantee the integrity of the process," the ministry said in a statement.
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Prosecutors on Wednesday also delivered evidence to a judge who is expected to rule on Franco’s future.
ST PETERSBURG, FLORIDA - AUGUST 12: Wander Franco #5 of the Tampa Bay Rays looks on during the ninth inning against the Cleveland Guardians at Tropicana Field on August 12, 2023 in St Petersburg, Florida. (Photo by Douglas P. DeFelice/Getty Images)
The judge issued the ruling Friday in a courtroom in the northern Dominican Republic province of Puerto Plata, where the alleged act occurred.
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Authorities have not shared details of the case, although prosecutors said on Aug. 14 that Franco was being investigated because of social media postings suggesting he had a relationship with a minor. The AP has not been able to verify the reported posts.
Franco was an All-Star for the first time this season. He signed an 11-year, $182 million contract extension in November 2021, but a team option in 2033 could make the deal worth $233 million when it is over.
Major League Baseball placed Franco on administrative leave in August under its joint domestic violence, sexual assault and child abuse policy with the players’ association. He was paid and received service time while on leave.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.