Wander Franco Case: Dominican Republic Judge Makes Shocking Ruling on Rays Star's Bail, Court Appearance

The Wander Franco case, a significant storyline in Major League Baseball (MLB), unfolds as the 22-year-old Tampa Bay Rays shortstop faces allegations of an inappropriate relationship with a 14-year-old girl in his home country, the Dominican Republic.

Following a recent hearing in the Dominican Republic, a judge ruled that Franco can leave the country but must appear in court monthly for the next six months, according to Sportskeeda.

Additionally, Franco must post bail of 2 million Dominican pesos, approximately $35,000, according to information shared by MLB insider Hector Gomez.

This development allows Franco to continue with his professional commitments, relieving him from the prospect of house arrest.

Franco, a rising star and an All-Star shortstop, had his stellar season abruptly interrupted when the Tampa Bay Rays placed him on the restricted list on Aug. 14.

Franco secured an impressive $182 million, 11-year contract in 2021.

Wander Franco's Detainment and Investigation

Although detained in the northern province of Puerto Plata on Monday, Wander Franco has not yet faced formal charges, Sports Illustrated reports.

The judge overseeing the Wander Franco case has received a comprehensive 600-page document containing evidence gathered by prosecutors during a monthslong investigation.

Franco's legal team has refrained from providing detailed comments, stating that the athlete is "doing fine."

The investigation began in July 2023, triggered by an anonymous tip related to a social media post hinting at the alleged relationship.

Authorities assert that Franco took the minor from her Puerto Plata home in December 2022, engaging in a four-month relationship with her, allegedly with the consent of the girl's mother.

Prosecutors claim that Franco made monthly payments of $1,700 to the girl's mother for seven months, in addition to buying her a car, all to facilitate the relationship.

In her statements, the girl expressed dissatisfaction with her mother's handling of Franco's financial contributions, leading her to seek media attention for the alleged relationship.

Countering the allegations, Franco went public with a live video, labeling the situation as an extortion attempt against him.

Wander Franco Case: Seizures and Allegations

In September 2023, authorities executed a raid on the girl's mother's home, seizing 800,000 Dominican pesos ($13,700) and discovering $68,500 hidden behind a frame.

Another raid on a different property yielded a bank guarantee certificate, equivalent to $36,000, allegedly delivered by Franco for the purported "commercial and sexual exploitation" of the girl.

Additional seizures included a Suzuki Swift valued at $26,600, per Tampa Bay Times.

Authorities highlighted that the teenager's mother had a meager $821 in her bank account shortly before the car purchase.

The mother also acquired property in Puerto Plata valued at $36,000.

While Franco's mother was implicated in sending money to the girl's mother, she has not faced charges, with authorities suggesting her involvement was an attempt to obscure her son's connection to the accused.

On a separate note, the father of the girl has filed a civil complaint against Franco, claiming harm to his daughter and seeking compensation.

The ongoing legal proceedings and revelations surrounding Wander Franco continue to captivate the MLB community as the young shortstop navigates a turbulent chapter in his promising career.

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Bert Hoover

WATCH: Dominican judge orders conditional release of Rays shortstop Wander Franco while probe continues - From 10 Tampa Bay