A judge on Friday ordered the conditional release of Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Wander Franco while he is investigated for allegations that he had a relationship with a 14-year-old girl.
Allegedly, Franco gave the child’s mother a car and thousands of dollars in exchange for her consent.
The Associated Press reported that Wander is free to leave the Dominican Republic but must return once a month to meet with authorities.
He was also ordered to pay a deposit of 2 million Dominican pesos ($34,000) while the investigation is ongoing.
Related: Judge Expected To Issue Ruling Friday In Case Involving Tampa Bay Rays’ Wander Franco
Wander, who was scheduled to be released early Saturday, did not speak to reporters following the conclusion of the hearing.
Earlier in the day, during a bathroom break, he told reporters that “everything is in God’s hands.”
The AP reported that supporters gathered outside the courthouse clapped and chanted “Boss! Boss!” in reference to Franco. Wander Franco, Franco’s father, exclaimed, “God is just.”
Prosecutors have requested the minor child’s mother be prevented from leaving the country and be placed under house arrest.
As the Tampa Free Press reported on Thursday, the 22-year-old Franco, who was arrested Monday after failing to appear for a meeting with a prosecutor, last played for the Rays on August 12 against visiting Cleveland.
He left the dugout during the next day’s game, which he was not in the lineup, when the allegations surfaced.
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