Tampa Bay Rays’ Wander Franco avoids jail despite minor abuse verdict
Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Wander Franco has avoided a prison sentence despite being declared criminally responsible for the sexual and psychological abuse of a minor by a Dominican Republic judge on Monday.
Judge José Antonio Núñez ruled the 24-year-old will not serve time, determining he was also a victim of extortion.
The court found that the former All-Star was blackmailed by the minor’s mother, who has subsequently been sentenced to 10 years in prison for sex trafficking.
Franco was initially arrested in January 2024 following allegations of a four-month relationship with a 14-year-old girl.
Court cites judicial pardon
Speaking outside the courthouse in Puerto Plata, the baseball player briefly addressed reporters alongside his legal team.
“I feel calm,” Franco said, asking fans to “continue supporting me and trusting in me.”
His attorney, Teodosio Jáquez, explained that the presiding judge exempted his client from punishment through a judicial pardon.
“We don’t have the physical sentence in our hands, but he was exempted from punishment because the president of the court established that he was also a victim,” Jáquez stated.
Major League Baseball future remains unclear
A full written sentencing regarding the case is scheduled to be delivered on 16 June.
The Dominican native noted he has not personally contacted his current franchise since the ruling, though he expects his representatives have done so.
Prior to the allegations surfacing in August 2023, the infielder had signed a landmark 11-year, $182m (£143m) contract extension.
Major League Baseball placed him on administrative leave before Tampa Bay ultimately moved him to the restricted list, cutting off his salary entirely.