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Tampa Bay Rays’ Wander Franco Found Guilty of Sexual Abuse in Dominican Republic, Receives Suspended Sentence

Tampa Bay Rays’ Wander Franco Found Guilty of Sexual Abuse in Dominican Republic, Receives Suspended Sentence

by | Jun 29, 2025 | Sports | 0 comments

Wander Franco, the professional baseball player for the Tampa Bay Rays, has been found guilty of sexual abuse and exploitation of a minor by a court in Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic. The verdict was delivered this week, concluding a high-profile legal case that has drawn international attention.

The court imposed a two-year prison sentence, but suspended the penalty under specific legal conditions. Chief among them is that Franco must not approach or engage with minors for sexual purposes, according to presiding Judge Jakaira Veras García, who delivered the ruling alongside Judges Venecia Rojas and José Juan Jiménez of the Collegiate Court of the Judicial District of Puerto Plata.

“As the regulation states, when the penalty is suspended, conditions must be imposed: that he not approach minors for sexual purposes,” said Judge Veras García during the sentencing hearing.

The case stems from allegations involving a minor, which first came to light in 2023. Franco was subsequently placed on administrative leave by Major League Baseball while investigations proceeded both in the Dominican Republic and under MLB’s domestic violence and child abuse policy.

The verdict marks a significant development in the case, raising serious questions about Franco’s future in professional baseball. While the suspended sentence means Franco will not serve jail time immediately, the ruling carries legal weight and public implications.

As of now, neither Franco nor his legal team has issued a public statement following the conviction. The Tampa Bay Rays and Major League Baseball have also not formally commented in response to the Dominican court’s decision.

Further disciplinary action from MLB may be pending, depending on the league’s internal review and its policies regarding off-field conduct.

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