Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Wander Franco was officially found guilty on charges of sexual abuse of a minor in the Dominican Republic on Thursday, ESPN's Jeff Passan reported. Franco was sentenced to two years in prison for having an illegal sexual relationship with a 14-year-old from when he was 21, though it will be suspended, per Juan Arturo Recio of ESPN República Dominicana, provided he doesn't violate the conditions set forth by the judge.
All of the conditions have not been yet been reported, but the main one that Franco is not allowed to approach minors with sexual intentions. If he fails to follow the conditions, he will serve two years in prison. Prosecutors originally sought after a five-year sentence.
The victim's mother, Martha Vanessa Chevalier Almonte, was also found guilty of sexually trafficking her daughter and was sentenced to 10 years in prison, Recio reported.
Franco's conviction likely means it will be difficult for him to obtain a United States work visa, according to Passan, which would be necessary for him to return to the MLB. He is currently on the restricted list for failing to report to Tampa last year. The Rays stopped playing Franco after Aug. 12, 2023, when the allegations first circulated.
MLB will still continue its investigation regarding Franco's case. The league issued a statement on Wednesday, via Passan.
"Major League Baseball is proud to have a collectively bargained Joint Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault and Child Abuse Policy that reflects our commitment to these issues," the league wrote. "We are aware of today's verdict in the Wander Franco trial and will conclude our investigation at the appropriate time."
Back in 2021, Franco signed an 11-year, $182 million deal with the Rays. The Rays won't have to pay Franco his contract, though, as long as he's on the restricted list.
More MLB on Sports Illustrated
This article was originally published on www.si.com as Rays SS Wander Franco Found Guilty for Sexual Abuse of a Minor in Dominican Republic.
