Wander Franco Sentenced for Sexual Abuse in Dominican Republic
Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Wander Franco was found guilty of sexual abuse of a minor in the Dominican Republic. The events occurred after he had a sexual relationship with a 14-year-old girl, when Franco was 21. On Thursday, he was given a suspended sentence of two years in prison.Although the prosecution requested a sentence of five years, Judge Jakayra Veras determined that Franco would not serve any more time in prison, unless he violated certain conditions, including not contacting minors with sexual intentions.
The victim’s mother, Martha Vanessa Chevalier Almonte, was sentenced to 10 years in prison for the sexual trafficking of her daughter, after it was proven that she sought financial benefits from Franco and laundered money. Currently, Franco is on the restricted list of Major League Baseball for not reporting to the team. Due to the conviction, he is likely to face difficulties in obtaining a work visa in the United States. If he fails to obtain it, he would remain on the restricted list. While Franco is on this list, the Rays will not be obligated to pay his salary from the 11-year, $182 million contract. MLB’s investigation into Franco is still ongoing. He could face further sanctions under the league’s policy on domestic violence, sexual assault, and child abuse.In August 2023, social media posts alleged that Franco had maintained an inappropriate relationship with a teenager. Although Franco denied the accusations, MLB and the MLB Players Association agreed to place him on administrative leave with pay. He remained there until he was charged in July 2024, at which point MLB placed him on the restricted list. According to prosecutors, Franco met the young woman online and had sexual relations with her on two occasions in December 2022. To see her in person, he would send helicopters or cars to pick her up near her hometown, Puerto Plata, and take her to his house in Baní. When the police raided the young woman’s house, they found $68,500 in cash and 800,000 Dominican pesos (approximately $13,700), according to prosecutors. At one point, Franco was considered one of the most promising prospects in baseball. He debuted at age 20 in 2021 and became a star for Tampa Bay, who had signed him at age 16 for $3.8 million. After his second season, the Rays offered him a long-term contract, the largest in franchise history. Franco was having an outstanding season in 2023, being selected for the All-Star for the first time, before the accusations halted his career. In an unrelated event, Franco was charged in June by the Dominican Republic prosecutor’s office for illegal possession of a firearm following an altercation in a parking lot in San Juan de la Maguana.“Major League Baseball is proud to have a Joint Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault and Child Abuse Policy collectively bargained that reflects our commitment to these issues. We are aware of today’s verdict in the Wander Franco trial and will conclude our investigation in due course.”
MLB Statement
