Rays’ Wander Franco accused of commercial sexual exploitation

New details have emerged in the ongoing investigation into whether Tampa Rays shortstop Wander Franco had inappropriate relationships with minors.

Prosecutors in the Dominican Republic have accused Franco of commercial sexual exploitation and money laundering. The Public Ministry also announced Wednesday night that the alleged victim’s mother faces identical charges.

Authorities in Franco’s native country seek a five million peso – or about $86,000 – bond as a “measure of coercion.” In addition, they asked the judge to place Franco on house arrest and bar him from leaving the country.

According to the Associated Press, the money laundering charges stem from allegations that Franco made payments to the minor’s mother. Prosecutors requested that the judge also place the mother on house arrest and bar her from leaving the country.

“These measures requested by the Public Ministry seek to guarantee the integrity of the process,” government officials said.

The 22-year-old All-Star shortstop has remained in a Dominican jail since Jan. 1. The legal age of consent in the country is 18.

Franco’s attorneys have not offered public comment except to say that he is “doing fine” as the investigation into what was once social media rumors has rapidly escalated. Authorities have not shared many case details because it involves a minor.

Franco is scheduled to appear before a judge for the first time Friday morning in the northern Dominican province of Puerto Plata, where the alleged incident occurred. After analyzing evidence collected during the four-month investigation, the judge will determine the baseball phenom’s future.

The Dominican newspaper Listin Diario reports that Friday’s hearing will determine if the case moves forward and under what stipulations. A judge could release Franco on bond, detain him indefinitely, prevent him from leaving the country and/or require him to occasionally appear before authorities until the case or trial concludes.

Dominican authorities recently struggled to locate Franco. Police searched his, his mother’s and his uncles’ homes Dec. 26 and 27, to no avail.

Prosecutors then issued a summons to appear for questioning on Dec. 28. Franco failed to show up until Jan. 1.

ESPN reported that police arrested Franco for failing to comply with the summons. The prosecutor’s office, “with support from the National Directorate of Children, Adolescents and Families and the Specialized Anti-Money Laundering and Terrorism Financing Prosecutor’s Office,” now seeks coercive measures.

Franco was once the face of the Tampa Bay Rays franchise. He inked an 11-year deal worth $182 million in November 2021 – by far the largest in team history.

Franco made his first All-Star Team in July 2023. He held a .281 batting average with 17 home runs and 58 RBIs (runs batted in) for a team that struggled to score late in the season.

However, Franco’s alleged improprieties surfaced on social media Aug. 13, 2023. He did not play that day and seemed to deny the allegations in a live video broadcast to his Instagram account. That was the last time Franco spoke publicly.

Major League Baseball officials launched an investigation the following day. The Rays then placed Franco on the restricted list.

The league put Franco on paid administrative leave a week later. Rays’ leadership said they supported the decision in a statement.

“The Tampa Bay Rays are dedicated to upholding high standards of integrity both on and off the field,” it read. “We appreciate the understanding and patience of our fans and supporters as this process unfolds.”

The Rays began distancing themselves from their star shortstop and removed advertising and merchandise featuring Franco inside and around Tropicana Field. Team officials offered little comment on the ongoing investigation at an October postseason press conference.

Former general manager Peter Bendix said the team would prepare for various outcomes and stressed the importance of roster versatility. While promising prospect Taylor Walls could fill Franco’s void, offseason hip surgery has placed his Opening Day availability in doubt.