Franco found criminally responsible, but no jail
Key takeaways
- Judge José Antonio Núñez, in his decision, considered that Franco had been the victim of extortion and blackmail by the minor's mother, who was sentenced to 10 years in prison for sexually trafficking her daughter.
- Franco was arrested in January 2024 after being accused of having a four-month relationship with a girl who was 14 at the time and transferring thousands of dollars to her mother to consent to the illegal relationship.
- After the ruling, Franco left the courthouse alongside his lawyer, Teodosio Jaquez, and briefly answered reporters' questions, saying, "I feel calm," and asking his fans to "continue supporting me and trusting in me."
Why this matters: a sports story that could shift standings, legacies, or fan conversations.
PUERTO PLATA, Dominican Republic -- Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Wander Franco was declared criminally responsible for the sexual and psychological abuse of a minor, but he will not serve a sentence for it, a Dominican judge ruled Monday.
Judge José Antonio Núñez, in his decision, considered that Franco had been the victim of extortion and blackmail by the minor's mother, who was sentenced to 10 years in prison for sexually trafficking her daughter.
Franco was arrested in January 2024 after being accused of having a four-month relationship with a girl who was 14 at the time and transferring thousands of dollars to her mother to consent to the illegal relationship.