Rays’ Franco criminally responsible for sexual abuse of minor but will not be jailed
Wander Franco, shortstop for the Tampa Bay Rays, has been declared criminally responsible for the sexual abuse of a minor but will not face jail time. A Dominican judge ruled that Franco was also a victim of extortion by the minor's mother, who received a 10-year prison sentence for her role in the case. Franco has not yet contacted his team following the ruling, which will be finalized on June 16.
- ▪Wander Franco was found criminally responsible for sexual abuse but will not serve jail time.
- ▪The judge ruled that Franco was a victim of extortion by the minor's mother, who was sentenced to 10 years in prison.
- ▪Franco was arrested in January 2024 for an alleged relationship with a 14-year-old girl and transferring money to her mother.
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Wander Franco leaves court after Monday’s ruling. Photograph: Ricardo Hernandez/APView image in fullscreenWander Franco leaves court after Monday’s ruling. Photograph: Ricardo Hernandez/APTampa Bay RaysRays’ Franco criminally responsible for sexual abuse of minor but will not be jailedGirl’s mother sentenced to 10 years in prisonShortstop has yet to contact his teamAssociated PressMon 25 May 2026 17.16 EDTSharePrefer the Guardian on GoogleTampa 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, a Dominican judge ruled on Monday.In his decision, Judge José Antonio Núñez considered that Franco had been the victim of extortion and blackmail by the minor’s mother, who was sentenced to 10…
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