Dominican prosecutors claim Wander Franco paid hush money to the minor’s mother amid allegations of a wrongful relationship with her.
The MLB star is facing charges of commercial sexual exploitation and money laundering, as is the girl’s mother.
Franco, 22, has been in jail since being detained in Puerto Plata on Monday. Prosecutors are seeking an $86,000 bond and, per the Associated Press, propose that both Franco and the girl’s mother be placed under house arrest and banned from leaving the D.R.
A ruling is expected on Friday. The judge could release Franco on bond, temporarily detain him, restrict his travel, or require him to make periodic appearances until the trial or investigation concludes.
If there is insufficient evidence, the case may be dismissed, per the Tampa Bay Times.
The Public Ministry stated yesterday that “These measures requested by the Public Ministry seek to guarantee the integrity of the process.”
Franco’s lawyer Teodosio Jáquez Encarnació declined to speak to the media, and prosecutors also declined comment; however, he assured them that his client is doing well.
Police were unable to locate the shortstop when they searched two of his properties in the Dominican Republic on Dec. 26. He failed to show up for questioning by the prosecutor’s office two days later, but appeared Monday for a three-hour interview.
Franco was placed on administrative leave by the MLB back in August.
