SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic — A prosecutor within the Dominican Republic says the investigation into Tampa Bay Rays All-Star shortstop Wander Franco’s alleged relationship with a minor is being dealt with by a division specializing in minors and gender violence within the province of Peravia.
Ángel Darío Tejeda Fabal, a prosecutor in Peravia, instructed The Associated Press on Wednesday that the investigation into Franco is open underneath The National Agency for Boys, Girls, Adolescents and Family and Gender Violence Unit. He mentioned the probe is in its early levels and can be chaired by Judge Olga Diná Llaverías, a specialist on little one abuse instances.
“This is a very delicate topic because there is a minor involved,” Fabal mentioned. “We are working together (with Judge Llaverías).”
Fabal mentioned prosecutors are gathering proof and testimonies however didn’t present particulars.
“Next week, we might be able to give some of the necessary information without hurting the investigation,” he mentioned.
The prosecutor added he has had no contact with Major League Baseball executives or U.S. authorities in regards to the case.
Franco was born in Baní, the capital of the Peravia province.
It will not be clear if Franco has retained an legal professional who might converse on his behalf.
On Monday, the Rays positioned the 22-year-old on the restricted listing, a transfer that can sideline Franco for at the least six video games whereas MLB investigates social media posts involving the participant.
The investigations comply with reported social media posts suggesting Franco was in a relationship with a minor. The AP has not been capable of confirm the reported posts.
MLB has launched an investigation, an individual aware of the probe instructed the AP, talking on situation of anonymity as a result of no announcement was made.
Franco didn’t play in Sunday’s residence collection finale towards Cleveland at Tropicana Field and didn’t accompany the Rays to San Francisco for the beginning of a six-game street journey that started Monday evening towards the Giants.
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