Tampa Bay Rays' prominent shortstop, Wander Franco, finds himself entangled in legal woes as prosecutors in the Dominican Republic accuse him of engaging in a months-long relationship with a teenage girl, according to ESPN.

The allegations include sending messages to the girl on WhatsApp and expressing concern about the potential consequences if his team discovered the relationship due to league rules prohibiting communication with minors.

"My girl," Franco allegedly wrote in Spanish. "If my team realizes this, it could cause problems for me. It is a rule for all teams that we cannot talk to minors, and yet I took the risk, and I loved it."

Following a comprehensive six-month investigation, Franco, 22, was arrested on New Year's Day, facing charges of commercial sexual exploitation and money laundering, with a potential prison sentence of up to 20 years, putting his Major League Baseball (MLB) career at risk.

READ NEXT: Wander Franco Case: Alleged Victim's Mom Arrested 

Troubling Message Triggers Wander Franco Case

Wander Franco was released from jail on January 8 after posting a 2 million Dominican pesos ($34,000) deposit, per the NY Post.

The evidence presented to the judge includes details from an investigation initiated after a formal complaint was filed on July 10, 2023.

Franco's US-based lawyer, Jay Reisinger, addressed the authenticity concerns of certain documents, emphasizing ongoing legal consultations and intended responses, the documents revealed.

"There are serious questions regarding the authenticity of particular documents and references contained in the prosecutor's confidential file, which was inappropriately disclosed to certain media outlets," Reisinger said.

The lawyer also said that they are in contact with Wander Franco's legal counsel in the Dominican Republic, intending to take legal measures in response.

The relationship began to deteriorate during spring training, resulting in a troubling WhatsApp conversation.

"There was more to it, but you're just a girl, and you don't know how to get along with me; that's why you failed, but I'll give you only one chance; you must be only for me," Franco wrote her on WhatsApp.

"Don't look at anyone. I know you've been with someone else, but no one will know how to use you the way I want," he added.

This prompted the girl to contact a reporter.

The MLB took action, placing Franco on a restricted list and initiating its investigation before he signed a record-breaking $182 million, 11-year contract in 2021.

Wander Franco Case: Girl's Mother's Actions Revealed

Additional distressing details emerge involving the 15-year-old girl and her estranged mother.

The girl's cousin, who grew up with her mother, reveals that Franco's involvement extended beyond messaging, as he reportedly sent a helicopter to pick up the girl and transported her 3 ½ hours to his hometown, Bani.

The pair attended various public events, with the girl revealing her mother's reaction to the relationship involved requests for money, cars, and furniture.

The mother even paid a taxi driver to facilitate meetings between Franco and her daughter, WFLA noted.

The girl, feeling objectified, described her mother's actions as solely motivated by financial gain, expressing her displeasure.

Incidents of violence between the mother and daughter were reported, including allegations of rock throwing and knife pulling.

The minor also accuses her mother of having a drinking problem and exploiting her relationship with Franco.

The girl, who moved out, faced a kidnapping complaint from her mother.

According to court documents, it was revealed that Wander Franco had provided the girl with 2.7 million pesos, approximately $46,000.

The funds were used by the girl to purchase items such as an iPhone, an iPad, her school uniform, supplies, and personal items.

Authorities discovered substantial amounts of money and a new car at the mother's residence during a search.

READ MORE: Wander Franco Case Takes Turn for the Worse Following MLB Investigation 

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Bert Hoover

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