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2h ago

Wander Franco Found Criminally Responsible in Dominican Sex Abuse Case, Exempted From Punishment

Judges said the player was extorted by the victim’s mother, leaving a conviction on his record that could block U.S. work visas or prompt MLB discipline.

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Baseball player Wander Franco at court on the day of a hearing, where he was convicted again in a retrial related to the sexual and psychological abuse of a minor, in Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic, May 25, 2026. The court exempted him from serving prison time, maintaining a suspended sentence. REUTERS/Erika Santelices
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Overview

  • A three-judge panel in the Dominican Republic found Franco criminally responsible for sexual and psychological abuse of a 14-year-old but granted a judicial pardon that exempts him from prison.
  • The court again convicted the girl’s mother of trafficking, extortion and money laundering and sentenced her to 10 years in prison.
  • The ruling that freed Franco from punishment was based on the court’s finding that the mother extorted him, a determination the judges cited in their decision on May 25.
  • Major League Baseball and the Tampa Bay Rays said they are aware of the verdict and will finish their separate investigations under the league’s abuse policy, so league discipline remains possible.
  • The court will issue the full written judgment and formal sentencing on June 16, the decision can be appealed, and the conviction on Franco’s record is likely to complicate U.S. visa access and his ability to return to the Rays or collect remaining contract pay.