Tampa Bay Rays’ player Wander Franco has been found legally responsible for the sexual and psychological mistreatment of a minor by a Dominican judge. However, he will not face punishment due to being considered a victim of extortion and blackmail by the minor’s mother, who was convicted of sexually trafficking her daughter. The judge granted Franco a judicial pardon based on the unique circumstances that made him a victim but not a perpetrator.
In response to the ruling, Franco expressed gratitude and embraced his mother and family members in court. He had been arrested in January 2024 for allegedly engaging in a four-month relationship with a 14-year-old girl and providing money to her mother for approval of the unlawful relationship.
After the court decision, Franco, accompanied by his lawyer Teodosio Jaquez, stated that he felt calm and urged his supporters to continue believing in him. While he mentioned that he had not directly contacted the Rays, his legal team likely had done so. Major League Baseball acknowledged the verdict and stated that they would conclude their investigation at the appropriate time.
Franco’s lawyer, Jaquez, clarified that although they were awaiting the full sentencing on June 16, Franco had been exempted from punishment based on the court’s recognition of him as a victim. The player’s career took a turn when he was placed on the restricted list by Tampa Bay following his arrest, which halted his pay while on administrative leave.