CAI Community|Rays shortstop Wander Franco released from Dominican jail amid ongoing investigation

2025-05-08 10:01:30source:Thurston Cartecategory:Finance

SANTO DOMINGO,CAI Community Dominican Republic (AP) — Wander Franco, a shortstop for the Tampa Bay Rays, was released Monday from a jail in the Dominican Republic amid an ongoing investigation into allegations he had a relationship with a 14-year-old girl.

Franco paid 2 million Dominican pesos ($34,000) as a type of deposit required by a judge who on Friday ordered his conditional release.

While Franco is free to leave the Dominican Republic, he was ordered to appear monthly before authorities as the investigation continues.

RELATED COVERAGE Rays shortstop Wander Franco arrested amid allegations of relationship with minor, AP source saysProsecutors accuse Rays shortstop Wander Franco of commercial sexual exploitation, money launderingDominican judge orders conditional release of Rays shortstop Wander Franco while probe continues

Franco did not speak to reporters who crowded around him after his release Monday afternoon in the northern province of Puerto Plata, where he was detained a week ago.

The 22-year-old All-Star is accused of commercial sexual exploitation and money laundering, with prosecutors alleging he paid the teen’s mother thousands of dollars and gave her a car in exchange for her consent.

The girl’s 35-year-old mother also is charged in the case and was ordered held under house arrest. The AP is not naming the woman in order to preserve her daughter’s privacy.

It wasn’t immediately clear if the athlete planned to leave the Dominican Republic.

Franco was having an all-star season before being sidelined in August, when Dominican authorities began investigating claims he had been in a relationship with a minor. Major League Baseball launched its own investigation, placing Franco on the restricted list on Aug. 14 before moving him to administrative leave on Aug. 22. Both investigations are ongoing.

Franco signed a $182 million, 11-year contract in 2021. His salary last year and this year is $2 million per season.

More:Finance

Recommend

Kentucky governor unveils paid leave plan for state workers with a new child or serious illness

FRANKFORT, Ky. (AP) — Kentucky plans to provide state employees with paid time off so they can bond

Congress is already gearing up for the next government funding fight. Will this time be any different?

Washington — Last month, lawmakers in Congress finally resolved a funding fight that had stretched o

O.J. Simpson Trial Prosecutor Marcia Clark Reacts to Former NFL Star's Death

A key player in the O.J. Simpson case is speaking out on his death. Marcia Clark—the lead prosecutor