Tampa Bay Rays' Wander Franco Arrested Over Alleged Relationship With Minor in Dominican Republic

Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Wander Franco has been accused of commercial sexual exploitation of a minor and money laundering in the Dominican Republic. Prosecutors allege he made payments to the minor's mother, who is also facing charges. They have requested that Franco be held on an $86,000 bond and placed under house arrest, with restrictions on leaving the country. Franco has been in jail since failing to appear for a summons and is awaiting a judge's decision on his case. MLB has placed him on administrative leave and is conducting its own investigation, while the Rays have distanced themselves from Franco by removing his likeness from their stadium and promotional materials.