Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Wander Franco was declared criminally responsible for sexually and psychologically abusing a minor in the Dominican Republic but will not serve jail time after a judge granted him a judicial pardon on Monday.
What happened
Dominican judge José Antonio Núñez ruled that Franco, who was arrested in January 2024 over an alleged four-month relationship with a 14-year-old girl, was criminally responsible for abuse but exempted him from punishment due to extenuating circumstances. The judge noted that Franco had been the victim of extortion and blackmail by the minor’s mother, who received a 10-year prison sentence for sexually trafficking her daughter.
Judge Núñez described the decision as a “logical and legal reasoning,” acknowledging the unusual position of declaring Franco responsible yet excusing him from a sentence due to his status as a “material victim” though not a legal one.
Following the verdict, Franco expressed relief publicly and thanked supporters. He was accompanied in court by his mother, Nancy Aybar, and other family members. Franco’s attorney, Teodosio Jáquez, confirmed that they had not yet received the full sentencing document but emphasized the judicial pardon.
The full sentencing is scheduled for June 16, when further details will be provided. Franco confirmed he had not personally contacted the Rays organization but expected his lawyers had.
Major League Baseball issued a statement saying it was aware of the verdict and would conclude its investigation at the appropriate time.
Why it matters
The ruling impacts Franco’s professional and personal future amid ongoing legal and public scrutiny. Despite avoiding jail time, the finding of criminal responsibility can influence Major League Baseball’s disciplinary decisions and affect Franco’s reputation.
The case highlights the complexities involved when legal and extralegal factors, such as extortion and trafficking by a minor’s family, complicate abuse allegations. It also raises awareness about the vulnerabilities athletes face abroad and the legal consequences in international jurisdictions.
Background
Franco, 22, signed an 11-year, $182 million contract with the Rays in November 2021. His career faced upheaval in August 2023 after authorities in the Dominican Republic launched an investigation into his relationship with a minor.
He was charged with sexual and commercial exploitation and human trafficking but was previously acquitted of those charges. In January 2024, he was arrested and subsequently placed on the Rays’ restricted list, suspending his pay while under administrative leave.
The minor’s mother’s conviction for trafficking added a significant element to the case, influencing the judge’s sentencing decision.
Sources
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