Tampa Bay Rays’ player Wander Franco has been found responsible for the sexual and psychological abuse of a minor by a Dominican Republic judge. Despite this ruling, Franco will not face any punishment. The judge, Jose Antonio Nunez, cited that Franco was a victim of extortion and blackmail by the minor’s mother, who received a 10-year prison sentence for trafficking her daughter.
Nunez explained that while declaring Franco criminally responsible may seem contradictory to not sentencing him, the court granted Franco a judicial pardon due to the unique circumstances that made him a victim in the situation. The judge justified this decision as a logical and legal response.
Following the ruling, Franco expressed gratitude and embraced his mother and family members. Arrested in January 2024, Franco was accused of engaging in a relationship with a 14-year-old girl and providing money to her mother for consent to the illegal relationship.
After leaving the courthouse with his lawyer, Teodosio Jaquez, Franco briefly spoke to reporters, expressing his calmness and asking for continued support from his fans. He mentioned that his lawyers were in contact with the Tampa Bay Rays but did not specify any personal communication.
Major League Baseball stated that they are aware of the trial’s verdict and will conclude their investigation at an appropriate time. Franco’s attorney, Jaquez, mentioned that while they do not have the physical sentence yet, Franco was exempted from punishment due to being considered a victim and receiving a judicial pardon.
The full sentencing is scheduled for June 16, and Jaquez indicated that more details would be provided once they have the complete sentence. Franco, who signed a lucrative contract with the Rays in 2021, saw his career disrupted when the investigation into the alleged relationship with a minor was announced in 2023. Subsequently, he was placed on the restricted list by the team, leading to a halt in his pay.