Puerto Plata. The Public Prosecutor’s Office of Puerto Plata has requested a 30-year prison sentence against Dominican baseball player Wander Franco, currently suspended from Major League Baseball.The request is based on accusations related to alleged crimes of sexual abuse of minors and human trafficking.The trial formally began on June 2nd, after having been postponed in December 2024. All parties involved were present at the hearing, including the witnesses summoned by the Public Prosecutor’s Office.Alongside Wander Franco, Martha Vanessa Chavalier, the mother of the affected minor, also faces charges, accused of sexually exploiting her daughter.According to the indictment, both defendants allegedly violated Law 136-03 on the protection of minors, Law 137-03 on human trafficking, and Law 155-17 against money laundering.Likewise, they are charged with criminal association, in accordance with articles 265, 266, and 267 of the Dominican Penal Code.During the hearing, it was learned that the minor’s father withdrew his complaint, arguing that the events were a misunderstanding.
However, the Public Prosecutor’s Office maintains the formal accusation, and the judicial process continues its course.
According to investigations, Franco allegedly had sexual relations with the victim when she was 14 years old, supposedly with the consent of her mother, who is said to have received money and goods in exchange for her silence.
Wander Franco was previously arrested in November 2024 for his involvement in a fight at a residential complex.
Since then, he remains at liberty under periodic reporting, while the judicial process against him proceeds.The baseball player, who signed an 11-year, $182 million contract with the Tampa Bay Rays in 2021, has been out of professional activity since July 2024, after being placed on the MLB Restricted List due to ongoing investigations.Wander Franco’s trial will continue with the presentation of evidence and arguments from the involved parties.
The authorities reiterated their commitment to the protection of children’s rights and the firm fight against the trafficking and exploitation of minors.
