Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Wander Franco, 25, was found guilty of sexual and psychological abuse of a minor but will not serve prison time after a Dominican Republic judge granted a judicial pardon, overturning his original two-year suspended sentence.
The case stemmed from a relationship Franco began with a 14-year-old girl in December 2022 when he was 21. The court ruled Franco criminally responsible but also a victim of extortion and blackmail by the minor's mother.
Prosecutors sought a five-year prison sentence, but the harshest punishment fell on the mother, who was sentenced to 10 years for money laundering and commercial sexual exploitation. Investigators found over $100,000 in cash during raids linked to Franco.
The mother allegedly used her daughter as a financial commodity, extracting thousands from Franco in exchange for consenting to the relationship.
Franco's MLB career is effectively over. He has not played since August 2023, when allegations emerged. MLB placed him on its restricted list, freezing his salary and service time. His 11-year, $182 million contract with the Tampa Bay Rays has roughly $160 million remaining.
Under U.S. immigration law, the case is a 'crime involving moral turpitude.' Experts say Franco will likely be unable to obtain a work visa to resume his MLB career. The Rays could also void his contract under morality clauses.
MLB's independent investigation under its Joint Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault and Child Abuse Policy is ongoing.