Wander Franco accused of paying hush money to mother of alleged victim
Jun 27, 2023; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Wander Franco against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Wander Franco is currently being detained in the Dominican Republic, where he is being investigated on allegations that he had an inappropriate relationship with a minor.
Prosecutors in the Dominican Republic are seeking to have Franco held on bond, barred from leaving the country, and placed on house arrest. He has been accused by prosecutors of commercial sexual exploitation and money laundering, as has the mother of the minor. A judge is expected to decide on Friday what will happen with Franco until the investigation or trial has ended.
The public minister has accused Franco of making payments to the mother of the girl, who allegedly was 14 years old when her relationship with the Tampa Bay Rays shortstop began. The minor is currently 15 years old.
Franco is accused of making monthly payments of 100,000 Dominican pesos (about $1,700) to the mother of the minor once their relationship began. Additionally, Franco’s mother is accused of making three large transfers to the mother of the minor. Two of the transfers were allegedly for 500,000 Dominican pesos (about $8,600) and a third was for 1,000,000 Dominican pesos (about $17,000).
Dice el MP que Wander Franco, después de haber sostenido relaciones con la joven de 14 años empezó a pagar mensualidades de 100 mil pesos a la madre de la joven.
Además que la madre de Wander hizo 3 transferencias a la madre de la adolescente. 2 de 500 mil y una de 1 millón.— Martín Rodriguez (@Martinrodriv) January 3, 2024
When the home of the mother of the teenager was raided, authorities reportedly found 800,000 Dominican pesos in bills and a car allegedly paid for by Franco.
La joven del caso Wander Franco tiene 15 años en estos momentos, dice el Ministerio Público.
Cuando allanaron la casa de la madre de la adolescente encontraron 800 mil pesos dominicanos en billletes y 68 mil dólares en billetes, y un vehículo pagado supuestamente por Franco.— Martín Rodriguez (@Martinrodriv) January 3, 2024
The 22-year-old Franco has been on paid administrative leave by MLB since August. He batted .281 with an .819 OPS, 17 home runs and 30 stolen bases in 112 games in 2023 before going on leave.