New reported particulars have emerged within the case of MLB All-Star Wander Franco and his alleged relationship with a then-14-year-old.
The Tampa Bay Rays shortstop, who has been on administrative go away since August, is dealing with 20 years in jail.
In response to ESPN, Dominican prosecutors say that Franco referred to as the minor “my woman” in a WhatsApp message, admitting that the connection was a “danger,” however he “cherished it.”
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Tampa Bay Rays star Wander Franco is dealing with an investigation into alleged inappropriate relationships with minors. (AP Picture/Chris O’Meara, File)
“My woman,” Franco allegedly wrote in Spanish. “If my group realizes this, it may trigger issues for me. It’s a rule for all groups that we can not discuss to minors, and but I took the danger and I cherished it.”
Franco was arrested earlier this month after he failed to look for a gathering with a prosecutor in late December, after which being interviewed by an official on New Yr’s Day.
Prosecutors say Franco’s relationship with the woman, now 15, lasted 4 months, and he paid her to not discuss it. The woman’s mom additionally faces prices for cash laundering primarily based on items despatched to her by Franco. Franco and the woman met on December 9, 2022, after he “took her from her dwelling,” had intercourse twice in a two-day span, and commenced their relationship.
When it was allegedly revealed that the woman had begun seeing another person round spring coaching of final 12 months, Franco ordered her to not.
“You’re only a woman and also you don’t know the best way to get together with me, that’s why you failed, however I’ll offer you just one probability, you should be just for me,” Franco allegedly wrote to the woman. “Don’t have a look at anybody. I do know you’ve been with another person, however nobody will know the best way to use you the best way I would like.”
In a press release to Fox Information, Franco’s lawyer within the U.S., Jay Reisinger, stated, “There are “severe questions concerning the authenticity of explicit paperwork and references contained within the prosecutor’s confidential file, which was inappropriately disclosed to sure media shops.
Wander Franco, #5 of the Tampa Bay Rays, swings at a pitch through the fifth inning towards the Cleveland Guardians at Tropicana Subject on August 12, 2023, in St. Petersburg, Florida. (Douglas P. DeFelice/Getty Photos)
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“We’re in session with Mr. Franco’s authorized counsel within the Dominican Republic, and we intend to take the mandatory authorized measures in response.”
Two houses related to Franco had been raided in December, however he was not at both one.
A subsequent raid of the woman’s dwelling uncovered $13,700 in money in addition to $68,500 they stated was discovered hidden behind a body, in accordance with the AP.
At a second raid at a distinct dwelling, police discovered a assure certificates from a neighborhood financial institution for $36,000 they stated had been delivered by Franco for the “business and sexual exploitation” of the woman.
Franco gave the woman the equal of $46,000 in July and August, the paperwork say, and paid the mom about $1,700 per thirty days, together with a brand new automotive.
Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Wander Franco, middle, is escorted by police to courtroom in Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic, Friday, January 5, 2024. Dominican prosecutors on Wednesday accused Franco of business sexual exploitation and cash laundering following allegations that he had a relationship with a minor, whose mom additionally faces the identical prices. (AP Picture/Ricardo Hernández.)
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Franco was an All-Star for the primary time this season. He signed an 11-year, $182 million contract extension in November 2021, however a group choice in 2033 may make the deal price $233 million when it’s over.
After all, the Rays may get out of it if Franco goes to jail, citing a “good citizenship” clause within the uniform participant contract.
Fox Information’ Paulina Dedaj contributed to this report.
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