Dominican Judge Finds Wander Franco Criminally Responsible but Grants Judicial Pardon

A Dominican judge ruled Monday that Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Wander Franco is criminally responsible for the sexual and psychological abuse of a minor but will not serve a sentence. Judge José Antonio Núñez issued the decision in Puerto Plata after determining that Franco had been the victim of extortion and blackmail by the minor's mother.

The mother was sentenced to 10 years in prison for sexually trafficking her daughter.

Núñez described the outcome as a judicial pardon granted because Franco was a material victim though not a legal one. "It seems contradictory to declare criminal responsibility and at the same time exempt him from punishment," the judge said. The court called the pardon a logical and legal outcome based on the circumstances.

Franco embraced his mother, Nancy Aybar, after the ruling and told reporters he felt calm. "Thank God for everything," he said. He asked fans to continue supporting him and said he had not personally contacted the Rays, though his lawyers had.

The Rays said they respect the legal process and will continue cooperating with Major League Baseball's review under its Joint Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault and Child Abuse Policy. MLB stated it will conclude its investigation at the appropriate time.

Was arrested in January 2024 after authorities accused him of a four-month relationship with a 14-year-old girl and payments to her mother. He signed an 11-year, $182 million contract with the Rays in November 2021. The team placed him on the restricted list six months after his arrest, ending his pay while on administrative leave. Full sentencing is scheduled for June 16.