A Dominican judge has ruled that Wander Franco, shortstop for the Tampa Bay Rays, was criminally responsible for the sexual and psychological abuse of a minor. Despite this, he will not face a sentence due to a judicial pardon. The judge cited that Franco had been a victim of extortion and blackmail by the minor’s mother, who has been sentenced to 10 years in prison for trafficking her daughter.
Judge José Antonio Núñez stated the pardon was due to ‘particular circumstances’ that made Franco a material victim, even though legally, he was not. Núñez described the pardon as based on ‘logical and legal reasoning.’
Upon hearing the verdict, Franco expressed gratitude and embraced his family members present at the court. Franco was initially arrested in January 2024, after allegations surfaced of a four-month relationship with a 14-year-old girl. He was also accused of transferring substantial amounts of money to the girl’s mother to facilitate the illegal relationship.
Following the ruling, Franco, alongside his lawyer Teodosio Jáquez, addressed reporters briefly. Franco conveyed a sense of relief, urging his fans to continue their support. He mentioned that while he had not directly contacted the Rays, his lawyers likely had.
Major League Baseball acknowledged Franco’s trial verdict and stated their own investigation would conclude at an appropriate time. Franco’s attorney, Jáquez, confirmed the receipt of the judicial pardon and awaited the full documented sentence for further details, expected on June 16.
In November 2021, Franco had secured an 11-year contract worth $182 million with the Rays. However, his career faced disruption in August 2023 when Dominican authorities launched their investigation into the alleged relationship with a minor. Following his arrest, Tampa Bay placed Franco on the restricted list, halting his pay received during administrative leave.
Updates are anticipated once the full sentence details are formally available.