ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (WFLA) — Wander Franco, a player for the Tampa Bay Rays who is under investigation for allegedly having sexual relationship with a 14-year-old, was granted bond Friday in the Dominican Republic.
Franco’s bond was set at 2 million pesos, which is equal to about $34,000. Franco must routinely check in every 30 days. Franco is not forbidden from leaving the country.
The victim’s mother was placed on house arrest and is not allowed to leave the country.
“I leave it all in the hands of God,” Franco said in Spanish as he was escorted to a courtroom.
Court documents obtained by 8 On Your Side state Franco and the victim’s mother engaged the victim in exploitation, prostitution and trafficking.
It’s an investigation that started in July of last year when the Gender Violence Unit received an anonymous complaint that the victim published details on social media about her alleged relationship with the athlete.
Court documents state the victim was upset her mother wasn’t giving her money received from the athlete to cover the alleged relationship.
The victim’s uncle, Jose Luis Santos, is a witness in the case and told Dominican reporters the mother was receiving money. Reporters in the Dominican Republic asked him for how long.
“He was sending money since the relationship started,” Santos said.
Evidence submitted by prosecutor’s state not only did Franco send the victim’s mother money, he also purchased her a new car.
Franco and the alleged victim’s mother were transferred from jail to court before 8 Friday morning.
Prosecutors are requesting a Judge either order Franco remain in custody until a trial or release him on a nearly $86,000 bond, prohibit him from exiting the country and require routine check-ins.
They are also requesting that the victim’s mother be placed on house arrest.
Franco supporters were outside of the court building Friday with signs reading, “Free Wander Franco.”
“Florida Florida many people consider him as the victim and the mom here is playing a big role, it’s like the villain really under people’s vision,” said Wendy Diaz, an attorney in the Dominican Republic.
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