Dominican Judge Rules Rays Shortstop Franco Criminally Responsible but Exempt from Prison

A Dominican judge ruled on 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 prison sentence. Judge José Antonio Núñez determined that Franco had been subjected to extortion and blackmail by the minor's mother.

The mother received a 10-year prison sentence for sexually trafficking her daughter. Franco was arrested in January 2024. Authorities accused him of maintaining a four-month relationship with a girl who was 14 at the time and of transferring thousands of dollars to her mother.

After the ruling, Franco left the courthouse with his lawyer, Teodosio Jaquez. He told reporters he felt calm and asked fans to continue supporting him. Jaquez said the court established that Franco was also a victim and granted a judicial pardon. The full written sentence is scheduled for release on 16 June.

Franco stated that his lawyers had contacted the Rays, though he had not done so personally.

Signed an 11-year, $182 million contract with the Rays in November 2021. Dominican authorities began investigating him in August 2023 over the alleged relationship when he was 22. Tampa Bay placed him on the restricted list six months after his arrest, ending salary payments he had received while on administrative leave.