Wander Franco, the suspended shortstop for the Tampa Bay Rays, was found guilty of engaging in an illegal sexual relationship with a 14-year-old girl and was sentenced to two years suspended sentence. He was arrested last year after allegations surfaced regarding a four-month relationship, during which he reportedly transferred substantial money to the girl’s mother to facilitate the illicit activities. Although further charges of sexual exploitation and human trafficking were also filed against him, he was acquitted of those accusations.
During the ruling, Judge Jakayra Veras García emphasized the severity of Franco’s actions, advising him to refrain from seeking relationships with minors and suggesting he should wait for appropriate opportunities. Prosecutors had sought a five-year prison term for Franco and a ten-year sentence for the girl’s mother, who was also convicted for her involvement. Franco’s attorney, Irina Ventura, expressed intentions to appeal the ruling, asserting that justice was not served.
Prior to the trial, Franco was a rising star in MLB, having secured a $182 million contract in 2021, but his career was significantly impacted by these allegations, leading to his placement on the restricted list in August 2023. This decision resulted in the suspension of his salary due to his inability to report to the team without a new U.S. visa. Franco is also facing another legal issue regarding an arrest for carrying an unregistered firearm, with that case still active.
In response to the court’s decision, Major League Baseball stated it would conclude its investigation into Franco’s conduct in accordance with its policies on domestic violence and child abuse.
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