BALTIMORE -- Rays shortstop Wander Franco was found guilty for the second time on charges of sexual and psychological abuse of a minor, but he will not serve time in prison, according to a verdict delivered Monday in the Dominican Republic.
Franco was initially found guilty in June 2025 and received a suspended two-year sentence. Both sides appealed the ruling, and a new trial was conducted. A three-judge panel again found Franco criminally responsible but issued him a judicial pardon, declaring that he was also a “material victim, but not a legal one” in the case, according to The Associated Press.
The minor's mother was initially convicted of trafficking her daughter, resulting in a 10-year prison sentence. That sentence was appealed, but judges again convicted the mother of trafficking on Monday and again issued her a 10-year sentence.
The court’s full decision and sentencing will be issued on June 16.
Franco, 25, has not played for the Rays since Aug. 12, 2023, a day before social media posts surfaced alleging that he had been involved in a relationship with a 14-year-old girl that began in December 2022, when he was 21 years old.
Franco was placed on administrative leave for the rest of the 2023 season and returned to administrative leave to start the ‘24 season. He was formally charged in the Dominican Republic in July 2024 and moved to Major League Baseball’s restricted list for failing to report to the team.
Franco remains on the restricted list, not being paid or accruing Major League service time. He remains under investigation by Major League Baseball, which can issue discipline under the Joint Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault and Child Abuse Policy.
Major League Baseball released the following statement on Monday: “We are aware of today's verdict in the Wander Franco trial and will conclude our investigation at the appropriate time.”
According to previous reporting, the conviction could make it difficult for Franco to secure a visa to work in the United States and continue his career in the Majors. In a 2024 story in The Athletic, immigration experts were quoted as saying that anything short of a full exoneration from a crime of moral turpitude would make it nearly impossible for Franco to return to the U.S.
“The Tampa Bay Rays are aware of today’s ruling in the Dominican Republic involving Wander Franco. We respect the legal process and the decision issued by the court. This is a serious matter, and our thoughts remain with those affected by the case,” the Rays said in a statement. “The Rays will continue to cooperate fully with Major League Baseball as it completes its review under the league’s Joint Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault and Child Abuse Policy. Out of respect for the legal process and all parties involved, we will have no further comment at this time.”