In Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic, a judicial ruling has declared Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Wander Franco criminally responsible for abusing a minor. Despite this, he will not serve a sentence. Judge José Antonio Núñez explained that Franco was a victim of extortion and blackmail by the minor’s mother, who received a ten-year sentence for sexually trafficking her daughter.
Judge Núñez described Franco’s judicial pardon as a result of ‘logical and legal reasoning.’ He noted that while Franco was declared criminally responsible, the pardon was due to particular circumstances. Following the decision, Franco expressed gratitude and embraced his family in court.
Franco was arrested in January 2024, accused of having a four-month relationship with a 14-year-old and transferring money to her mother for consent. After the ruling, Franco left the courthouse with his lawyer, Teodosio Jáquez, expressing calmness and calling for continued support from fans. Franco mentioned his lawyers, rather than himself, had likely communicated with the Rays.
Major League Baseball acknowledged the verdict and stated that their investigation would conclude at an appropriate time. Lawyer Jáquez announced that although they hadn’t received the physical sentence yet, the rationale behind the exemption was due to Franco also being a victim and the judicial pardon granted by the court. The full sentencing details are expected by June 16. Franco’s attorney emphasized the importance of receiving the official sentence for further details.
In a contract signed in November 2021, Franco agreed to an 11-year, $182 million deal with the Rays. His career faced challenges when Dominican authorities began investigating him in August 2023. Franco, 22 at the time, found himself on the Tampa Bay restricted list six months after his arrest, which halted his pay during administrative leave.
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