As expected, the Wander Franco saga continues. And it is far from over.
Indeed, prosecutors in the Dominican Republic charged the Tampa Bay Rays star with commercial sexual exploitation and money laundering last night (Wednesday), according to what the public prosecutor said in a press release.
Authorities declined to comment on the case beyond the official statement because it involves a minor. The legal age of consent in the Dominican Republic is 18, and the girl involved in the story was 14 at the time.
The prosecution's case, including the evidence, is now in the hands of an investigating judge. This step in the process involves determining whether the case moves forward, according to a report in Dominican newspaper Listin Diario.
The shortstop is scheduled to appear before the same judge for the first time in this case Friday morning around 8 a.m. Eastern Time.
In court filings, authorities requested that the 22-year-old be held on bail (equivalent to $86,000), barred from leaving the country and placed under house arrest .
Prosecutors are also asking the judge to prohibit the minor's mother from leaving the country and to be placed under house arrest.
Franco has been under investigation for more than four months due to allegations of an inappropriate relationship with a minor, whose mother faces the same accusations, according to the aforementioned press release.
The money laundering charges stem from allegations that Franco made payments to the minor's mother, according to the Associated Press.
Franco's lawyer, Teodosio Jaquez Encarnacion, refused to speak to the media, only telling reporters that Franco was fine. Yes of course…
