Former Tampa Bay Rays Star Wander Franco Guilty Of Sexually Abusing Minor

PUERTO PLATA, DOMINICAN REPUBLIC — Former Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Wander Franco was found guilty Thursday of sexually abusing a minor in his native Dominican Republic.

Prosecutors sought a five-year prison sentence for the 24-year-old star baseball player, who was handed a two-year suspended sentence.

Franco, who was arrested last year, was accused of having a four-month relationship with a 14-year-old girl. He also sent thousands of dollars to her mother in exchange for her consent to their relationship.

He was also charged with, though found not guilty of, sexual and commercial exploitation against a minor and human trafficking.

During her ruling, Judge Jakayra Veras Garcia admonished Franco, saying, “Look at us, Wander. Do not approach minors for sexual purposes. If you don’t like people very close to your age, you have to wait your time.”

The girl’s mother, Martha Vanessa Chevalier Almonte, was also found guilty of charges related to the relationship, including money laundering. She’ll serve a 10-year prison sentence.

Franco is currently on Major League Baseball’s restricted list after failing to report to the Rays, ESPN said. After his conviction, it’s expected that he’ll have a difficult time getting a work visa to return to the U.S., leaving him on the restricted list.

While restricted, the team isn’t required to pay him his salary, reports said. He signed an 11-year, $182 million contract with Tampa Bay.

See Also:

• Tampa Bay Rays' Wander Franco Arrested In Dominican Republic
• Rays’ Wander Franco Accused Of Relationships With 2 Underage Girls
• 3rd Minor Accuses Wander Franco Of Inappropriate Relationship: Report

Franco hasn’t played for the Rays since Aug. 12, 2023, the day before social media posts accusing him of a relationship with the 14-year-old when he was 21 were made, according to MLB.com.

He was put on administrative leave for the remainder of that season and moved to the restricted list after charges were filed against him in the Dominican Republic.

“We respect the legal process in the Dominican Republic and believe it is important to allow it to run its course. We will continue to fully cooperate with Major League Baseball as it monitors the situation,” the Rays said in a statement. “Out of respect for everyone involved, we will not be providing any further comment at this time.”

He remains under investigation by MLB under the league’s Joint Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault and Child Abuse Policy.

Franco was also accused of having a relationship with two additional underage girls, though he wasn’t charged for either of those allegations.

This article includes reporting by The Associated Press.

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