Latest On Wander Franco's Legal Proceedings

Wander Franco was found guilty of sexual and psychological abuse of a minor in a retrial. A three-judge panel ruled that he was both a defendant and a victim, resulting in a judicial pardon that exempts him from punishment, while the conviction still stands. The minor’s mother received a ten-year sentence for money laundering and threats of exposure. The full verdict details will be read in court on June 16. Major League Baseball and the Tampa Bay Rays acknowledged the ruling, said they respect the legal process, and indicated they will cooperate with MLB’s review under the league’s domestic violence, sexual assault, and child abuse policy. The outcome mirrors a prior trial that also ended with Franco found guilty but not expected to serve prison time.

"Franco was found guilty of sexual and psychological abuse of a minor but will not serve prison time because the three-judge panel ruled that he was both a defendant and a victim in the case. He was given a judicial pardon which exempts him from punishment but the conviction stands. The minor's mother was sentenced to ten years for money laundering and threats of exposure. The full verdict with more details will be read in court on the morning of June 16th."

"It's a similar result to the previous trial, which concluded in June of last year. At that time, Franco was found guilty. He received a two-year suspended sentence and would only have to serve the sentence if he didn't meet certain conditions. The minor's mother was found guilty of trafficking her daughter and sentenced to ten years. Both sides appealed and a new trial was ordered. Once again, the victim's mother has received a ten-year sentence while Franco has been found guilty but is not expected to serve prison time."

""We are aware of today's verdict in the Wander Franco trial and will conclude our investigation at the appropriate time," Major League Baseball said in a statement late Monday afternoon."

""The Tampa Bay Rays are aware of today's ruling in the Dominican Republic involving Wander Franco," the team said in a statement. "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 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.""

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