Wander Franco found criminally responsible for abuse, but no prison
ESPN • • sports
Key Points:
- Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Wander Franco was declared criminally responsible for sexual and psychological abuse of a minor but will not serve a sentence, as ruled by a Dominican judge who considered Franco a victim of extortion by the minor's mother.
- The minor's mother was sentenced to 10 years in prison for sexually trafficking her daughter, who was 14 during the alleged four-month relationship with Franco.
- Franco was arrested in January 2024 and had transferred money to the minor's mother; following the ruling, he expressed calmness and asked for continued support from fans.
- MLB is aware of the verdict and will conclude its investigation in due course, while Franco remains on the Rays' restricted list, which suspends his pay.
- The full sentencing is scheduled for June 16, with Franco's lawyer emphasizing the need to review the official sentence document.