Key Witnesses Testify in Wander Franco Trial
SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic – Key prosecution witnesses testified this Friday in the trial against Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Wander Franco, who faces charges of sexual abuse against a minor, before the Collegiate Court of Puerto Plata.The trial, which was originally scheduled for December 12, was postponed until the beginning of this week and three hearings have been held.
On Thursday, the teenager testified behind closed doors.
Prosecutors described the evidence presented on Friday as “compelling” and “moving”.
Prosecutors claimed that Franco Aybar kidnapped the victim for sexual purposes for several days and then sent large sums of money to her mother.
Documents presented by prosecutors to the judge last year allege that Franco, through his mother, Yudelka Aybar, transferred 1 million pesos, or $17,000 dollars, to the minor’s mother on January 5, 2023, in exchange for her consent to the abuse.
The minor’s mother has been accused of money laundering and is under house arrest. Franco has also been accused of sexual and commercial exploitation of a minor, and human trafficking.According to prosecutors, the minor’s mother went from being a bank employee to leading an ostentatious life and acquiring assets that she cannot justify using the funds she received from Franco.
Franco, who turned 24 on March 1, was in his third season in the Major Leagues when his career was halted in August 2023. In November 2021, he agreed to an 11-year, $182 million contract. He is currently on the Major League Baseball restricted list after initially being placed on administrative leave.
Franco, accused in July 2024 and under supervised release, could face up to 30 years in prison if found guilty. The trial is scheduled to continue on Monday.
