Wander Franco Trial Begins for Alleged Child Sexual Abuse in Puerto Plata
Puerto Plata – The trial against Major League player Wander Franco for alleged child sexual abuse began this Monday in the Collegiate Court of Puerto Plata. On the opening day, the accusation against the mother of the minor involved in the case was also formally presented.After a hearing that lasted several hours, the court set the next sessions for Thursday, June 5, Friday, June 6, and Monday, June 9, all starting at 9:00 in the morning.
The litigating prosecutor, Claudio Cordero, reported that during the initial session, the formal accusation by the Public Prosecutor’s Office was read, in addition to the presentation of documentary and expert evidence collected during the investigation phase. Cordero announced that the testimonies of the cited witnesses will begin on Thursday. The player’s defense, led by lawyer Teodosio Jáquez, downplayed the probative value of the evidence presented, describing it as a “set of documents without legal force.”All our evidence was obtained in accordance with the Criminal Procedure Code and has the proper judicial authorization. This process adheres to legal rigor and is duly substantiated.
Claudio Cordero, Litigating Prosecutor
Jáquez also highlighted that the teenager’s father, who initially filed the complaint, later withdrew the accusation. The court, composed of judges Jakayra Veras, Venecia Rojas, and José Juan Jiménez, reiterated the established schedule and warned the witnesses about the obligation to appear and testify, under penalty of withdrawal if they fail to do so on the indicated dates. If found guilty, both Wander Franco and the minor’s mother could face sentences of up to 30 years in prison, according to current criminal law in the Dominican Republic.There is no direct evidence linking Wander Franco to the events. Even the minor has denied in interviews having had sexual relations with him.
Teodosio Jáquez, Defense Attorney
At the beginning of the process, the player limited himself to declaring that he hopes “justice will be done”.
