Wander Franco released, still under investigation for alleged sexual relationship with minor [Update]

Updated Jan. 5: Wander Franco was granted conditional release on Friday but remains under investigation for his alleged relationship with a 14-year-old girl and giving her mom a car and hush money for her consent.

The Tampa Bay Rays shortstop, who is accused of commercial sexual abuse and exploitation of a minor, can leave the Dominican Republic, but must return to meet with authorities once a month and pay a financial guarantee of 2 million Dominican pesos (nearly $35,000 USD) according to reports.

In a document submitted by the prosecution, the teen was under Franco’s control starting on Dec. 9, 2022, when she was kidnapped. Franco allegedly had sexual relations with her for two days, per the doc.

Prosecutors allege that Franco sent the girl’s mother payments of $1,785 for seven months and bought her a Suzuki Swift worth $26,600 “in order to allow the relationship and let her go out with him whenever she wanted,” according to documents obtained by the Associated Press. Authorities seized 800,000 Dominican pesos ($13,700), $68,500 hidden behind a picture frame, and a guarantee certificate for 2.1 million Dominican pesos ($36,000) reportedly delivered by Franco over the course of two separate September raids. 

The girl’s 35-year-old mother, who is facing the same crimes as Franco, was ordered to be placed under house arrest until the investigation concludes.

Franco, 22, didn’t speak to reporters following the hearing but told them “everything is in God’s hands,” during a bathroom break.

Dominican prosecutors allege that Wander Franco paid hush money to the mom of the underage girl he is accused of having an inappropriate relationship with.

The Tampa Bay Rays shortstop is being accused of commercial sexual exploitation and money laundering — along with the minor’s mother.

The 22-year-old All-Star has been in jail since he was detained in Puerto Plata on Monday. Prosecutors want Franco held on an $86,000 bond, and recommend that he and the girl’s mother be kept under house arrest and barred from leaving the D.R., per the Associated Press.

A ruling is expected to be issued on Friday. The judge could release Franco on bond; temporarily arrest him; bar him from departing the country; or demand he make occasional appearances until the trial or investigation finishes.

If there’s a lack of evidence, the case could be dismissed, according to the Tampa Bay Times.

“These measures requested by the Public Ministry seek to guarantee the integrity of the process,” it said in a statement yesterday.

Franco’s attorney Teodosio Jáquez Encarnació wouldn’t to speak to the media — prosecutors also declined comment — but told them his client is doing fine.

Police were unable to locate the shortstop when they searched two of his properties in the Dominican Republic on Dec. 26. He failed to show up for questioning by the prosecutor’s office two days later, but appeared Monday for a three-hour interview session.

Franco was placed on administrative leave by the MLB back in August.