Former Tampa Bay Rays Shortstop Wonder Franco was found guilty on Thursday for sexually abusing a minor in his hometown of the Dominican Republic, and has suspended his two-year sentence, according to multiple reports. The verdict comes almost a year after allegations first surfaced that Franco had an inappropriate relationship with a 14-year-old girl at the age of 21.
Prosecutors had sought a five-year sentence, but Judge Jakayla Berras imposed a mild sentence on the condition. Franco will not provide additional time unless he violates conditions such as avoiding contact with minors for sexual purposes.
Prosecutors allegedly said Franco would maintain a four-month relationship with the girl, sending a helicopter and car during that time, and transporting her from Puerto Plata to Bani’s home. Authorities say he also transferred tens of thousands of dollars to Martha Vanessa Chevalier Almonte, the mother of a girl who was convicted of child sex trafficking and sentenced to 10 years in prison.
The police attack on his mother’s home discovered more than $68,000 in US cash and an additional 800,000 Dominican pesos believed to be money from Franco.
Major League Baseball put Franco on a admin leave in August 2023 when the allegations first appeared via social media. After being charged in July 2024, he was moved to a restricted list. He remains as the league’s investigation continues under joint domestic violence, sexual assault and child abuse policies.
Franco’s future in MLB is uncertain. Due to his beliefs, he may not be eligible to receive a US work visa. If he remains on the restricted list, the Rays are not liable to pay the remainder of his 11-year $182 million contract.
Once considered a top baseball prospect, Franco made his debut at the age of 20 in 2021 and was named an All-Star in 2023 before his career derailed.
In an unrelated case, Franco was charged with illegal possession of a firearm earlier this month following an altercation in the Dominican Republic.
MLB says it will conclude Franco’s investigation “at the right time.”
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