Overview
- A three-judge panel in the Dominican Republic found Franco criminally responsible on Monday, May 25, 2026, but the court issued a judicial pardon that exempts him from prison.
- The court also convicted the victim’s mother of trafficking and money laundering and sentenced her to 10 years in prison for allegedly extorting payments tied to the case.
- Prosecutors presented evidence of a months-long relationship with a 14-year-old and transfers of more than $100,000 to the girl’s mother, facts that remained central to the verdict.
- Franco remains on MLB’s restricted list and unpaid under his 11-year, $182 million contract while the league’s independent investigation continues and discipline under its abuse policy is still possible.
- The written judgment and formal sentencing will be read on June 16, 2026, the verdict can be appealed, and immigration experts say the conviction will likely block U.S. work visas and hinder any return to Major League Baseball.