Rays’ Franco guilty of sexual abuse, gets suspended sentence
- Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Wander Franco's baseball career faces uncertainty after a Dominican Republic court convicted him of sexual abuse of a minor.
- Judge Jakayra Veras opted for a suspended sentence,despite prosecutors seeking five years.
- Martha Vanessa chevalier Almonte, the victim's mother, received a 10-year prison sentence.
Wander Franco,the tampa Bay Rays shortstop,has been found guilty of sexual abuse and received a two-year suspended sentence in a Dominican Republic court. This verdict casts a long shadow over his MLB career, with implications for his visa status and future with the team. The investigation into the primary_keyword and Franco’s precise secondary_keyword involvement continues, with MLB also reviewing the situation. News Directory 3 reports that the victim’s mother received a 10-year sentence related to the case.The once-promising All-Star now faces an uncertain road ahead,battling potential visa issues and possible league sanctions. The repercussions of this case reach beyond the field. Discover what’s next …
Wander Franco Faces Suspended Sentence in Sexual abuse Case
Updated June 26, 2025
Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Wander Franco’s baseball career faces uncertainty after a Dominican Republic court convicted him of sexual abuse of a minor. The court handed down a suspended two-year prison sentence Thursday. The case involved a relationship with a 14-year-old girl when Franco was 21.
Judge Jakayra Veras opted for a suspended sentence,despite prosecutors seeking five years. Franco will avoid further jail time if he adheres to specific conditions, including abstaining from contact with minors with sexual intentions.
Martha Vanessa chevalier Almonte, the victim’s mother, received a 10-year prison sentence. Prosecutors successfully argued she sexually trafficked her daughter for financial gain, laundering money received from Franco.
Franco is currently on Major League Baseball’s restricted list.The conviction could complicate his ability to obtain a U.S. work visa. Without a visa,he will remain on the restricted list,relieving the Rays of their salary obligations from his $182 million contract.The Wander Franco case has shocked the baseball world.
MLB’s investigation into the wander Franco role in the incident continues. Further disciplinary action remains possible under the league’s domestic violence, sexual assault, and child abuse policy.
In a statement, Major League Baseball affirmed its commitment to addressing these issues through its collectively bargained policy. The league stated it is aware of the verdict and will conclude its investigation ”at the appropriate time.”
Allegations surfaced on social media in August 2023, claiming Franco had an inappropriate relationship with a teenage girl. Franco denied the claims, but MLB and the MLB Players Association placed him on paid administrative leave.He remained on leave until formal charges were filed in July 2024, leading to his placement on the restricted list.
Prosecutors stated Franco met the girl online and engaged in sexual activity with her twice in December 2022. He allegedly arranged for helicopters or cars to transport her from near her hometown of Puerto Plata to his residence in Bani. A police raid on the girl’s home uncovered $68,500 in U.S. currency and 800,000 Dominican pesos (approximately $13,700), according to prosecutors.
Once considered baseball’s top prospect, Franco debuted with Tampa Bay in 2021 at age 20, quickly becoming a star. The Rays signed him at 16 for $3.8 million. Following his second season, the team negotiated a long-term contract, the largest in franchise history. Before the allegations, Franco earned his first All-Star selection during a breakout 2023 season.
Separately, Dominican Republic prosecutors charged Franco in June with illegal handgun possession following an altercation in a San Juan de la Maguana parking lot. that case remains pending.
What’s next
MLB’s ongoing investigation will determine further disciplinary actions against Franco. His ability to secure a U.S. work visa will dictate his immediate future with the Tampa Bay Rays.