Wander Franco is presently under investigation in the Dominican Republic, facing allegations of engaging in an inappropriate relationship with a minor.
Prosecutors in the Dominican Republic are actively pursuing legal measures to have Franco detained on bond, prevented from leaving the country, and placed under house arrest. The charges against him include accusations of commercial sexual exploitation and money laundering, along with similar charges directed at the minor’s mother. A judge is expected to make a decision on Franco’s status until the conclusion of the investigation or trial, with an announcement anticipated on Friday.
According to the public minister, Franco is alleged to have made regular payments of 100,000 Dominican pesos (approximately $1,700) to the mother of the girl, who was reportedly 14 years old when the relationship with the Tampa Bay Rays shortstop commenced. The minor is currently 15 years old.
The MP says that Wander Franco, after having had relations with the 14-year-old girl, began paying monthly payments of 100 thousand pesos to the girl’s mother. In addition, Wander’s mother made 3 transfers to the teenager’s mother. 2 of 500 thousand and one of 1 million via Twitter.
RELATED: Wander Franco’s Homes in Dominican Republic Raided By Authorities
In addition to Franco’s payments, his mother is accused of executing three substantial transfers to the minor’s mother, with two transfers totaling 500,000 Dominican pesos (around $8,600) each and a third amounting to 1,000,000 Dominican pesos (about $17,000).
The young woman in the Wander Franco case is currently 15 years old, says the Public Ministry. When they raided the teenager’s mother’s house, they found 800,000 Dominican pesos in bills and 68,000 dollars in bills, and a vehicle supposedly paid for by Franco via Twitter.
During a raid on the teenager’s mother’s residence, authorities reportedly discovered 800,000 Dominican pesos in cash and a vehicle allegedly purchased by Franco.
Since August, the 22-year-old Franco has been on paid administrative leave from MLB. In the 2023 season, prior to taking leave, he posted impressive statistics, batting .281 with an .819 OPS, 17 home runs, and 30 stolen bases in 112 games.
