Former Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Wander Franco was found guilty Thursday of sexually abusing a minor in his native Dominican Republic and received a suspended two-year prison sentence, according to multiple reports. The verdict comes nearly a year after allegations first surfaced that Franco had an inappropriate relationship with a 14-year-old girl when he was 21.
While prosecutors sought a five-year prison term, Judge Jakayra Veras imposed the lighter sentence with conditions. Franco will not serve additional time unless he violates terms such as avoiding contact with minors for sexual purposes.
Prosecutors argued Franco maintained a four-month relationship with the girl, during which he sent helicopters and cars to transport her from Puerto Plata to his home in Bani. Authorities say he also transferred tens of thousands of dollars to the girl’s mother, Martha Vanessa Chevalier Almonte, who was convicted of child sex trafficking and sentenced to 10 years in prison.
A police raid on the mother’s home uncovered more than $68,000 in U.S. cash and an additional 800,000 Dominican pesos, believed to be money from Franco.
Major League Baseball placed Franco on administrative leave in August 2023 when the allegations first emerged via social media. After charges were filed in July 2024, he was moved to the restricted list, where he remains as the league’s investigation continues under its Joint Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault and Child Abuse Policy.
Franco’s future in MLB is uncertain. Due to his conviction, he may not be eligible to receive a U.S. work visa. If he remains on the restricted list, the Rays are not obligated to pay out the remainder of his 11-year, $182 million contract.
Once considered the top prospect in baseball, Franco debuted at age 20 in 2021 and was named an All-Star in 2023 before the allegations derailed his career.
In an unrelated incident, Franco was also charged earlier this month with illegal possession of a firearm following an altercation in the Dominican Republic.
MLB has stated it will conclude its investigation into Franco “at the appropriate time.”
The post Former MLB star Wander Franco guilty in sex abuse case appeared first on KTLA.
