In Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic, a judge declared Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Wander Franco criminally responsible for the sexual and psychological abuse of a minor. However, Judge José Antonio Núñez ruled that Franco will not serve a sentence. He attributed this to Franco being a victim of extortion and blackmail by the minor’s mother, who received a 10-year prison sentence for sexually trafficking her daughter.

Judge Núñez explained that while it might seem contradictory to declare Franco criminally responsible yet exempt him from punishment, Franco received judicial pardon due to unique circumstances that made him a material victim. The judge described his decision as both logical and legally sound.

Thank God for everything, Franco stated, embracing his mother and family members in court. Arrested in January 2024, Franco faced accusations of engaging in a four-month relationship with a 14-year-old girl and transferring substantial sums of money to her mother for consenting to the relationship.

Following the ruling, Franco emerged from the courthouse alongside his lawyer, Teodosio Jáquez. He told reporters he felt calm and asked his fans to continue their support. Franco noted he had not contacted the Rays personally but believed his lawyers had.

Major League Baseball responded to the verdict in a statement, indicating their investigation will wrap up at the appropriate time.

Franco’s attorney, Jáquez, mentioned they had not yet received the physical sentencing document but confirmed Franco’s exemption from punishment, acknowledging the court’s consideration of him as a victim. He added that the full sentence will be available on June 16, at which point more details will be released.

Franco had signed an 11-year, $182 million contract with the Rays in November 2021. His career faced disruption when Dominican authorities began investigating him in August 2023 for the alleged relationship. Six months post-arrest, the Rays placed Franco on the restricted list, ceasing his pay during administrative leave.