Rays' Wander Franco Released from Jail Amid Investigation into Relationship

Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Wander Franco was released from a Dominican Republic jail on Monday as authorities continue to investigate allegations he had an inappropriate relationship with a 14-year-old girl, per the Associated Press.

A judge ordered his conditional release on Friday, which will allow him to leave the Dominican Republic but will require him to return once per month to check in with authorities. As part of the release, he had to pay a deposit of two million Dominican pesos ($34,000).

Per the Associated Press, Franco has been accused of commercial sexual exploitation and money laundering. Authorities have alleged that Franco paid the girl's 35-year-old mother $1,700 per month and bought her a car in exchange for consent to "allow the relationship and let her go out with him wherever she wanted," according to court documents.

The alleged relationship last for four months, starting in December 2022.

In September, authorities seized over $82,000 from the home of the girl's mother, a guarantee certificate from a bank at another home for $36,000—allegedly from Franco for the "commercial and sexual exploitation" of the 14-year-old girl—and a Suzuki Swift worth $26,600.

The mother faces the same potential charges as Franco and has been placed under house arrest. Franco, who has claimed the accusations were part of an extortion claim against him, has not been formally charged with any crimes to this point.

The 22-year-old has appeared in parts of three seasons for the Tampa Bay Rays during his MLB career. He was placed on indefinite administrative leave by the league in August.