Tampa Bay Rays' All-Star shortstop Wander Franco has been placed on administrative leave through June 1 as an investigation continues into an alleged relationship with a minor. The leave is not disciplinary, and Franco continues to be paid. He has not played since August 2022 and remains in the Dominican Republic while authorities there investigate. Originally accused of commercial and sexual exploitation and money laundering, Franco now stands accused of sexual and psychological abuse. MLB is likely to wait for the conclusion of the Dominican investigation before deciding on any discipline.
Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Wander Franco has been conditionally released by a Dominican Republic judge amidst allegations of commercial sexual abuse and exploitation of a minor. Court documents reveal payments made to the mother of the teenage girl involved, and Franco is required to appear monthly before the Dominican Public Ministry and pay a financial guarantee. The case includes accusations of abduction and sexual relations with a minor, with potential penalties ranging from 20 to 30 years in prison for commercial sexual exploitation and up to five years for psychological and sexual abuse. MLB has placed Franco on administrative leave and is conducting its own investigation, with his future in baseball uncertain as the legal process unfolds.
Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Wander Franco is accused of having a sexual relationship with a 14-year-old girl and paying her mother for her silence and compliance in the Dominican Republic. Prosecutors allege that the payments were used for buying property, a car, and other items, and have charged both Franco and the girl's mother with commercial sexual exploitation and money laundering. Franco has been conditionally released by a judge, with requirements including a financial guarantee and monthly court visits, while the investigation continues. The MLB player, who signed a significant contract with the Rays, faces potential legal and league repercussions.
Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Wander Franco was released from custody in the Dominican Republic amid allegations of sexual abuse involving a 14-year-old girl. Despite prosecutors' concerns about him being a flight risk, a judge allowed Franco to remain free during the ongoing investigation after posting a bond. The case involves claims that Franco had a sexual relationship with the minor and paid her mother for silence. The MLB star, who was placed on administrative leave last season, faces a complex legal situation with nearly 600 pages of evidence submitted by prosecutors.
Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Wander Franco was conditionally released by a Dominican judge amidst an ongoing investigation into his alleged relationship with a 14-year-old girl. He must return to the Dominican Republic monthly to meet with authorities and has paid a bond of approximately $34,000. Prosecutors have accused him of "commercial sexual exploitation" and money laundering, presenting evidence of payments and gifts to the girl's mother. Franco was previously arrested for not attending a summons and has been on MLB's Restricted List since August, with MLB also conducting its own investigation. The Rays have not commented on the recent developments.
Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Wander Franco is facing allegations in a Dominican court of having a sexual relationship with a 14-year-old girl and providing her mother with money and a car for consent. Franco, who has not been charged, could face various judicial measures, including temporary arrest or travel restrictions. The girl's mother is also charged with the same crimes. The investigation, which began with an anonymous tip, has led to the seizure of money and property allegedly linked to the exploitation. Major League Baseball is conducting its own investigation, and Franco's status with the league remains uncertain.
Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Wander Franco has been conditionally released by a Dominican Republic judge amid an investigation into allegations of a relationship with a 14-year-old girl and financial transactions with her mother. Franco is required to return to the Dominican Republic monthly and pay a deposit as the probe into charges of commercial sexual exploitation and money laundering continues. While the girl's mother is under house arrest, Franco, who has not been formally charged, must adhere to the conditions set by the court as both local and MLB investigations are ongoing.
Tampa Bay Rays player Wander Franco was granted bond in the Dominican Republic amid allegations of engaging in a sexual relationship with a 14-year-old and related exploitation and trafficking. The bond was set at approximately $34,000, and Franco is required to check in every 30 days but is not restricted from leaving the country. The victim's mother is under house arrest and cannot leave the country. The case involves accusations of Franco paying the mother, who allegedly exploited her daughter, and purchasing her a car. Supporters rallied for Franco's release as the legal proceedings continue.
Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Wander Franco has been detained in the Dominican Republic on charges of commercial sexual exploitation of a minor and money laundering, with a court appearance scheduled to determine his release on bond. Japanese pitcher Shota Imanaga is expected to land a contract of at least $100 million in MLB free agency, drawing comparisons to successful Japanese pitchers in the majors. The Atlanta Braves have acquired pitcher Chris Sale from the Boston Red Sox and signed him to a two-year extension, while the Red Sox received infielder Vaughn Grissom in return. The article also provides updates on the remaining MLB free agents and other baseball news.
Tampa Bay Rays All-Star shortstop Wander Franco is facing serious allegations of having a physical relationship with a 14-year-old girl in the Dominican Republic, with potential charges of commercial sexual exploitation and money laundering. While Franco has not been convicted and details are still emerging, the gravity of the accusations and the precedent set by MLB in similar cases suggest that Franco's future with the Rays and in Major League Baseball could be in jeopardy. The Rays are awaiting the outcome of investigations before addressing Franco's status, but the situation poses significant public relations and financial challenges for the team.
Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Wander Franco was arrested in the Dominican Republic on charges of commercial sexual exploitation and money laundering related to allegations of a relationship with a minor. Prosecutors are seeking an $86,000 bond and house arrest, with a ruling expected on Friday. Franco, who signed a significant contract extension with the Rays in 2021 and was an MLB All-Star, has been on the Restricted List since August due to these allegations. The Rays have not commented on the latest developments.
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.
Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Wander Franco was arrested in the Dominican Republic on charges of commercial sexual exploitation and money laundering related to allegations of having a relationship with a minor. Dominican prosecutors are seeking an $86,000 bond and house arrest, with a judge to rule on the conditions of his release. Franco, who signed a significant contract extension with the Rays in 2021 and was an All-Star in the past summer, has been on MLB's Restricted List since August due to these allegations. The Rays have not commented on the latest developments.
Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Wander Franco has been accused by Dominican prosecutors of commercial sexual exploitation and money laundering in connection with an alleged relationship with a minor. Prosecutors are seeking an $86,000 bond, house arrest, and travel restrictions for Franco, who is currently in jail. Evidence has been submitted to a judge, who will rule on Franco's legal status on Friday. Major League Baseball has placed Franco on administrative leave since August, and the outcome of the MLB's investigation could lead to further discipline.
Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Wander Franco has been accused by Dominican prosecutors of commercial sexual exploitation and money laundering in connection with a relationship with a minor. The prosecutors have requested an $86,000 bond, house arrest, and a travel ban for Franco. Evidence has been presented to a judge who will rule on Franco's legal status on Friday. Franco has been on administrative leave from MLB since August and the league's investigation is ongoing, with no set timeline for its conclusion.
