Wander Franco Spared Prison Despite Guilty Finding in Dominican Court
Former Tampa Bay Rays star Wander Franco has been found criminally responsible for the sexual and psychological abuse of a minor in the Dominican Republic, according to a court ruling delivered on Monday. However, despite the finding of responsibility, the court granted Franco a judicial pardon, allowing him to avoid serving a prison sentence.
The decision marks the latest development in a legal case that has significantly impacted the baseball player’s career since allegations first surfaced in 2023. Franco expressed relief following the ruling and thanked supporters outside the courtroom.
Court Cites Extortion Circumstances in Decision
Judge José Antonio Núñez stated that while Franco was found responsible for his actions involving a minor, the court also considered evidence showing he had been subjected to extortion and blackmail by the girl’s mother. Based on those circumstances, the court determined that a judicial pardon was appropriate.
According to the ruling, the girl’s mother was convicted on separate charges related to trafficking and financial crimes connected to the case. She received a 10-year prison sentence. The court concluded that financial payments were exchanged during the period of the illegal relationship, which played a role in the final judgment.
Previous Conviction Overturned Before Retrial
Franco had previously been convicted in 2025 and received a suspended sentence. However, that verdict was later overturned on appeal, leading to a new trial before a different judicial panel. The retrial ultimately resulted in the latest ruling that found him criminally responsible while exempting him from punishment through a judicial pardon.
The full written judgment is expected to be released in June, and legal representatives are expected to review the document before determining any future actions.
Baseball Career Still Faces Uncertainty
Although Franco avoided prison, his professional baseball future remains unclear. Major League Baseball continues to conduct its own investigation under league policies. The former All-Star has not appeared in MLB competition since 2023 and remains on the restricted list.
The Tampa Bay Rays acknowledged the court’s decision and indicated they would continue cooperating with MLB as the league completes its review process. Any potential disciplinary action has yet to be announced.
