Former Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Wander Franco was convicted of sexual abuse of a minor after he allegedly had a sexual relationship with a 14-year-old girl when he was 21. He received a suspended two-year prison sentence on Thursday, June 26, that he will not serve unless he violates conditions laid out by the Dominican Republic judge.
“Look at us, Wander,” Justice Jakayra Veras told Franco, 24, per The Athletic. “Do not approach minors for sexual purposes. If you don’t like people very close to your age, you have to wait your time.”
Prosecutors initially sought a five-year sentence for the former top prospect, who is currently on MLB’s restricted list as the league’s investigation into him remains open.
“Major League Baseball is proud to have a collectively bargained Joint Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault and Child Abuse Policy that reflects our commitment to these issues,” MLB said in a statement. “We are aware of today’s verdict in the Wander Franco trial and will conclude our investigation at the appropriate time.”
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In addition, the mother of the victim, Martha Vanessa Chevalier Almonte, received a 10-year sentence for sexually trafficking her daughter. Prosecutors attempted to demonstrate in the case that she sought financial gain from Franco and that she laundered money.
“We respect the legal process in the Dominican Republic and believe it is important to allow it to run its course,” the Rays said in a statement of their own. “We will continue to fully cooperate with Major League Baseball as it monitors the situation. Out of respect for everyone involved, we will not be providing any further comment at this time.”
Franco was accused of having a four-month relationship with the girl in question and allegedly transferred thousands of dollars to the mother in order to attain her consent. Since the allegations first arose in August 2023, two more girls have come forward with accusations of abuse.
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MLB placed Franco on the restricted list at that time, just a month after the phenom’s first MLB All-Star appearance. He had signed an 11-year, $182 million contract extension with the Rays in 2021, but the club is not obligated to pay him while he is on the restricted list.
If Franco hopes to return to MLB, he will have to obtain a work visa to return to the United States. His conviction complicates the process, making it unlikely he will see the money remaining on his deal.
Immigration experts told The Athletic last year that his conviction would likely result in a permanent ban from the United States.
