Wander Franco’s Trial Resumes Activity with Key Expectations
SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic – The trial of Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Wander Franco, suspended following accusations of sexual abuse, will resume on Monday in the Dominican Republic. The player faces charges related to a minor at the time of the alleged events. The decision to resume the process was announced on Tuesday by the court. After five hearings where evidence from the prosecution and the defense was presented, the judges decided to suspend the trial. The final arguments and conclusions of both parties will be presented on June 23. Franco, accused in July 2024 and under supervised release, could face up to 30 years in prison if found guilty.The judges explained that the suspension for several days is to analyze everything presented by the parties and make an informed decision. The Prosecution has evidence and will present its findings next Monday, June 23, requesting the appropriate sentence for each defendant. Franco’s lawyer, Teodosio Jáquez, insists on the lack of evidence linking the player to the crimes he is accused of.I feel good, because everything is in God’s hands now.
Wander Franco
Documents presented by the prosecution last year allege that Franco, through his mother Yudelka Aybar, transferred 1 million pesos to the minor’s mother on January 5, 2023, allegedly to consent to the abuse. The minor’s mother has been accused of money laundering and is under house arrest. Franco also faces charges for sexual and commercial exploitation of minors, as well as human trafficking. Franco’s career was interrupted in August 2023, during his third season in the Major Leagues. In November 2021, he had signed a contract for 11 years and $182 million. Currently, he is on the restricted list of Major League Baseball after initially being placed on administrative leave.That young man’s future is being cut short, simply because of comments on social media.
Teodosio Jáquez, Franco’s Lawyer
