Wander Franco, shortstop for the Tampa Bay Rays, was declared criminally responsible for the sexual and psychological abuse of a minor. However, a Dominican judge ruled that he would not serve a sentence. Judge José Antonio Núñez stated that Franco was a victim of extortion and blackmail by the minor’s mother. She received a 10-year prison sentence for sexually trafficking her daughter.
Judge Núñez explained the decision was based on the unique circumstances of Franco’s victimization, granting him a judicial pardon. He described this as both a logical and legal reasoning.
It seems contradictory to declare criminal responsibility and, at the same time, exempt him from punishment. The court has granted Wander Franco a judicial pardon due to the particular circumstances that made him a material victim, but not a legal one,said Núñez.
Upon hearing the ruling, Franco emotionally embraced his family, expressing gratitude.
Franco was arrested in January 2024 for engaging in a four-month relationship with a 14-year-old girl. Allegations included transferring large sums of money to her mother to maintain the illegal relationship. While he faced charges of sexual and commercial exploitation and human trafficking, he was previously acquitted of those.
After the ruling, Franco, alongside his lawyer Teodosio Jáquez, addressed the media, expressing a sense of calm. He urged fans to continue their support and trust. Franco mentioned his lawyers were handling communications with the Rays.
Major League Baseball acknowledged the verdict, indicating their investigation will conclude in due course.
Attorney Jáquez clarified that although they lacked the formal sentencing document, the exemption from punishment was due to judicial pardon and the court’s recognition of Franco as a victim.
The complete sentence will be available on June 16. Jáquez emphasized the need to review the full details once the sentencing document is obtained.
In 2021, Franco signed an 11-year, $182 million contract with the Rays. His career took a downturn when Dominican authorities began investigating him in August 2023 for the alleged relationship. Following his arrest in early 2024, Tampa Bay placed him on the restricted list, affecting his pay status.