Tampa Bay Rays' Wander Franco Found Guilty of Sexual Abuse

Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Wander Franco was found guilty of sexual abuse of a minor in the Dominican Republic after having a sexual relationship with a 14-year-old girl when he was 21. He received a suspended two-year prison sentence on Thursday.

Prosecutors sought a five-year sentence, but Judge Jakayra Veras ruled that Franco would not serve additional prison time unless he violated certain conditions, including not contacting minors with sexual intentions.

The victim's mother, Martha Vanessa Chevalier Almonte, was convicted of sexually trafficking her daughter and received a 10-year prison sentence. It was proven that she sought financial gains from Franco and laundered money.

Currently on Major League Baseball's restricted list for failing to report to the team, Franco may face challenges obtaining a work visa in the United States due to the conviction. If he cannot secure the visa, he will remain on the restricted list, and the Rays will not be obligated to pay his salary from his 11-year, $182 million contract.

MLB's investigation into Franco is ongoing, and he could face further discipline under the league's policies on domestic violence, sexual assault, and child abuse.

Social media posts in August 2023 alleged Franco's inappropriate relationship with a teenage girl. While he denied the allegations, MLB and the MLB Players Association agreed to place him on paid administrative leave. He remained on leave until being charged in July 2024, leading to his placement on the restricted list.

Prosecutors stated that Franco met the girl online and engaged in sexual activity with her twice in December 2022. He would send helicopters or cars to bring her to his home in Bani from her hometown of Puerto Plata. During a police raid at the girl's home, authorities found $68,500 in American cash and around 800,000 Dominican pesos (approximately $13,700).

Once considered a top prospect in baseball, Franco made his debut at 20 years old in 2021 and quickly became a star for Tampa Bay, which signed him at 16 for $3.8 million. Before the allegations, he was having a breakout season in 2023 and earned his first All-Star selection.

In an unrelated incident, Franco was charged in June by Dominican prosecutors for illegal possession of a handgun after an altercation in a parking lot in San Juan de la Maguana.