In Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic, a significant ruling was made involving Wander Franco, the suspended shortstop of the Tampa Bay Rays. Franco was convicted of sexually abusing a child and has been given a two-year suspended sentence, a decision rendered on Thursday. His arrest in the previous year stemmed from accusations of maintaining a four-month illicit relationship with a 14-year-old girl. Additionally, it was claimed that he transferred large sums of money to her mother in exchange for her consent to the unlawful relationship.
Despite Franco’s conviction, he was acquitted of more serious offenses, including charges of sexual and commercial exploitation of a minor and human trafficking. Judge Jakayra Veras García, who presided over the case, directly addressed Franco during the judgment, acknowledging his poor choices. “Look at us, Wander,” she remarked sternly. “Do not approach minors for sexual purposes. If you don’t like people very close to your age, you have to wait your time.”
Prosecutors originally sought a harsher penalty for Franco, advocating for a five-year imprisonment. They also pursued a 10-year sentence against the girl’s mother, who was ultimately found guilty and will serve the full sentence. During her address, Veras implied the mother was complicit in the situation, commenting on her demands that Franco should pay for various educational and personal expenses.
Franco’s legal representative, Irina Ventura, announced intentions to appeal the court’s decision, expressing dissatisfaction with the outcome and stating, “Evidently, justice was not done.” On the other hand, Prosecutor Luis Martínez expressed contentment with the judgment although he refrained from revealing any plans for the government to appeal.
Before delivering their unanimous decision, the panel of judges, led by Veras, deliberated extensively over the evidence, including testimonies from 31 witnesses. As Veras evaluated the prosecutor’s case, she described it as “a somewhat complex process” and concluded that the evidence suggested manipulation of the minor involved.
Throughout the prolonged judgment, Franco, who once held a prominent position as the Rays’ star shortstop, maintained an impassive demeanor. His promising career trajectory faced an abrupt interruption in August 2023 when Dominican authorities initiated an investigation into his alleged relationship with the minor, following a $182 million contract he signed in November 2021.
Franco’s troubles intensified when he was placed on the restricted list by Tampa Bay in January 2024, halting his pay during administrative leave. In November, while awaiting trial on conditional release, he was detained again due to an altercation described by Dominican authorities as being over a woman’s attention. He faced additional charges related to carrying a semiautomatic Glock 19, purportedly registered to his uncle, a case that remains before the courts.
In light of the verdict, Major League Baseball released a statement acknowledging the verdict in the Franco trial and pledged further examination under its joint domestic violence and child abuse policy. The league assured that their investigation would reach a conclusion at the appropriate time, reaffirming their commitment to addressing such issues.