Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Wander Franco has been found guilty of sexually abusing a minor in the Dominican Republic, receiving a two-year suspended prison sentence. The 24-year-old was arrested last year after being accused of having a sexual relationship with a 14-year-old when he was 21. He also faces charges of sexual and commercial exploitation against a minor and human trafficking.
Prosecutors initially requested a five-year prison sentence for Franco, but the court’s decision resulted in a suspended term. The victim’s mother, Martha Vanessa Chevalier Almonte, was also found guilty of sexually trafficking her daughter and sentenced to 10 years in prison. Franco transferred thousands of dollars to the victim’s mother to consent to the illegal relationship, highlighting the complex nature of the case and its implications for the sport and the families involved.
Franco last played in Major League Baseball in August 2023 before being placed on administrative leave following the allegations. He is on MLB’s restricted list, and his conviction may make it unlikely for him to obtain a U.S. work visa and return to the Rays. The Rays signed Franco to an 11-year, $182 million contract in November 2021, which could have been worth up to $223 million with a club option.
Franco, who played parts of three seasons with the Rays, was named an All-Star during the 2023 season. In 263 career games, he has hit .282 with 30 home runs, 130 RBIs, and 40 stolen bases. The case has sparked significant attention and debate about accountability, justice, and the responsibilities of athletes and their families in sports.