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Jan 8, 2024 6:46 pm

Wander Franco released from prison in D.R. amid investigation

Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Wander Franco was released from prison in the Dominican Republic on Monday while officials continue to investigate allegations that he engaged in relationships with minors.

According to reports from the Dominican Republic, Franco posted a financial guarantee equivalent to about $34,000. The Messenger reported that he will be required to appear in court in the province of Puerto Plata once per month for the next six months.

Franco was released one week after being arrested for failing to answer a court summons in his native Dominican Republic. He had been told to meet with authorities from the Specialized Prosecutor’s Office for Children and Adolescents in the capital city of Santo Domingo but never arrived.

Franco, 22, has been accused of commercial sexual exploitation and money laundering. He’s alleged to have given a 14-year-old girl’s mother thousands of dollars plus a car to secure her consent to his relationship with her daughter.

The Rays placed Franco on the restricted list Aug. 14 and then on paid administrative leave on Aug. 22 as MLB launched an investigation into social media posts indicating Franco was involved in an inappropriate relationship with a minor.

Franco since was moved to Tampa Bay’s active roster, but only because administrative leave is unavailable during the offseason. He could be placed back on administrative leave when spring training begins.

At least two people have filed lawsuits against Franco, and he is under investigation for an alleged improper relationship with a third minor, ESPN reported.

–Field Level Media

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