Wander Franco Exonerated: Judicial Pardon; Vanessa Chevalier Sentenced to 10 Years

Wander Franco Receives Judicial Pardon in Sexual Abuse Case

Puerto Plata – The Collegiate Court of the Judicial District of Puerto Plata ruled this Monday for the judicial pardon for the Major League player, Wander Franco, in relation to the case of alleged sexual abuse against a minor. The decision was made by Judge José Antonio Núñez, who considered that Franco was also a victim within the process. Simultaneously, the court sentenced Marta Vanessa Almonte Chevalier to ten years in prison for exploitation and other crimes linked to the same case. During the reading of the sentence, the court found Vanessa Chevalier guilty of violating Law 136-03 on the protection of children, adolescents, and teenagers, as well as articles of the Dominican Penal Code related to threat, extortion, and obtaining illicit funds. The sentence includes the fulfillment of the penalty at the Women’s Correction and Rehabilitation Center, in addition to the payment of fines and the confiscation of assets, including a 600-square-meter plot of land, a 2023 vehicle, cell phones, and financial certificates. Among the additional measures, it was ordered to transfer a financial certificate of RD$2.1 million, issued by the Agricultural Bank, in favor of the minor. These funds will remain safeguarded until the victim reaches the age of majority.

He was exempted from punishment because the court established that he was also a victim and therefore exempts him from punishment with judicial pardon

Wander Franco’s Lawyer

Wander Franco’s defense explained that the court applied judicial pardon after establishing that the player was also affected within the circumstances of the process, clarifying that the decision does not represent a criminal conviction against him. The baseball player’s legal representatives indicated that they will wait for the full sentence to analyze possible appeals to higher authorities. This ruling marks the closure of one of the most media-covered legal cases in the Dominican Republic, due to the international impact and the public figure of Wander Franco.