Former MLB star Wander Franco could face five years in prison as Dominican prosecutors seek justice for sexual abuse of a 14-year-old girl in a case that exposes disturbing allegations of parental complicity and human trafficking.
Key Takeaways
- Dominican prosecutors are seeking a five-year prison sentence for suspended Tampa Bay Rays player Wander Franco on charges of sexual abuse, exploitation, and human trafficking involving a 14-year-old girl.
- The victim’s mother faces a potential 10-year sentence for allegedly receiving substantial payments from Franco in exchange for allowing the abuse, with police discovering $103,500 in cash during a search of her home.
- Franco’s legal troubles have expanded to include illegal firearm possession charges, while his MLB career hangs in the balance with $174 million remaining on his contract.
- Even if acquitted in the Dominican Republic, Franco could face a permanent ban from entering the United States and additional suspensions under MLB’s domestic violence and child abuse policy.
Shocking Allegations Against MLB Star and Victim’s Mother
The criminal trial of former Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Wander Franco has revealed disturbing details about an alleged four-month sexual relationship with a 14-year-old girl. Prosecutors in Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic, have requested a five-year prison sentence for Franco, who faces multiple serious charges including sexual abuse of a minor, sexual exploitation, and human trafficking. The case has sent shockwaves through the baseball community and raised serious questions about potential parental complicity in the abuse.
Prosecutors seek five-year jail sentence for Wander Franco in sexual abuse case https://t.co/mW1PMOqOD3 pic.twitter.com/LYzRx6xx8e
— New York Post (@nypost) June 23, 2025
In a particularly disturbing development, prosecutors are seeking a 10-year prison sentence for the alleged victim’s mother, who stands accused of money laundering and human trafficking. Court documents suggest the mother received substantial payments from Franco in exchange for allowing the abuse of her daughter. During a police search of the mother’s home, authorities discovered $68,500 and $35,000 in cash, allegedly delivered by Franco as payment for access to the minor.
“Prosecutors in the Dominican Republic have asked that suspended Tampa Bay Rays player Wander Franco be sentenced to five years in prison amid allegations that he had a sexual relationship with a minor, according to The Associated Press,” stated The Associated Press.
Legal Defense and Trial Complications
Franco’s defense team has aggressively contested the charges, claiming their client is the victim of an elaborate extortion scheme. His attorneys have argued that the investigation was biased and that key evidence favorable to Franco was excluded from the proceedings. The trial has faced multiple postponements, with Franco’s defense presentation lasting only two hours compared to the prosecution’s extensive case detailing financial transactions between Franco, his mother, and the minor’s mother.
“Wander is a young man who has been demonized. Wander is a kid. Even though he’s of legal age, Wander is a young man. How old do people here think Wander is?” stated Irina Ventura.
Judge Jakayra Veras, who is presiding over the case, announced a delay in the verdict due to the extensive evidence and witness statements presented during the trial. Franco himself made a brief statement to the court, maintaining his innocence. “I’m vocalizing what I have always said: Justice. We expect justice,” was told to the court by Franco. The judge responded, “Justice has been requested, and we will do so after deliberation and consideration.”
Career and Financial Implications
The legal battle has devastating implications for Franco’s once-promising baseball career. The 23-year-old shortstop has been on administrative leave since August 2023 when the allegations first surfaced, and was later moved to MLB’s restricted list after formal charges were filed. If convicted, Franco could face a permanent ban from entering the United States, effectively ending his MLB career and forfeiting the $174 million remaining on his contract with the Tampa Bay Rays.
Even if Franco is exonerated in the Dominican Republic, his professional troubles are far from over. MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred retains the authority to suspend Franco under the league’s domestic violence and child abuse policy, regardless of the criminal case outcome. The scandal represents a dramatic fall from grace for Franco, who was once considered one of baseball’s brightest young stars after signing an 11-year, $182 million contract extension in 2021.
Adding to Franco’s legal difficulties, he faces additional charges stemming from a November altercation, including illegal possession of a firearm. Throughout the legal proceedings, Franco has been free on supervised release, but his future now hangs in the balance as the court weighs the evidence against him in a case that has tarnished both his reputation and career prospects in professional baseball.
