Why Rays shortstop Wander Franco won't serve prison time despite sexual abuse of a minor conviction
Wander Franco, the shortstop for the Tampa Bay Rays, has been found criminally responsible for sexual abuse of a minor but will not serve prison time. The judge granted him a judicial pardon, citing that he was a victim of extortion by the minor's mother. Franco's full sentencing is scheduled for June 16, 2026.
- ▪Wander Franco was arrested in January 2024 for having an illegal relationship with a minor.
- ▪The judge determined that Franco was a victim of extortion and granted him a judicial pardon.
- ▪Franco's lawyer stated that the minor's mother will serve 10 years in prison for money laundering and sex trafficking.
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