Former Rays Infielder Receives Judicial Pardon After Court Ruling
Former Tampa Bay Rays player Wander Franco has been declared criminally responsible for the sexual and psychological abuse of a minor by a court in the Dominican Republic. However, the 25-year-old will not serve time behind bars after judges granted him a judicial pardon due to unique circumstances surrounding the case.
The ruling was delivered by a court in Puerto Plata on May 25. Judges concluded that Franco engaged in an unlawful relationship with a 14-year-old girl when he was 21 years old. At the same time, the court determined that Franco had also been the target of extortion and blackmail connected to the case.
Court Also Convicts Victim’s Mother
During the proceedings, investigators presented evidence showing that the minor’s mother sought substantial financial payments from Franco. The court found the mother guilty of trafficking and exploiting her daughter and imposed a 10-year prison sentence.
Judges said the circumstances influenced their decision to exempt Franco from serving a prison sentence, despite holding him legally responsible for abuse-related offenses. The court also ordered financial compensation for the victim, which is expected to be paid when she reaches adulthood.
Legal Battle Continues to Impact Baseball Career
The case first gained attention in 2023 after allegations surfaced online, prompting Major League Baseball to launch an investigation and place Franco on the restricted list. He has not appeared in an MLB game since the accusations became public.
Franco had previously been convicted in 2025 and received a suspended sentence, but that decision was later overturned on appeal, leading to a retrial. The latest ruling again found him responsible while granting relief from imprisonment through a judicial pardon.
MLB’s review under its domestic violence and abuse policies remains ongoing, leaving uncertainty about Franco’s future in professional baseball. The Tampa Bay Rays have stated that they respect the legal process and will continue cooperating with league officials as the matter moves forward.
