Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Wander Franco was declared criminally responsible for sexual and psychological abuse of a 14-year-old girl in the Dominican Republic, but a judge exempted him from a prison sentence through a judicial pardon on June 1, 2026 [1, 2].
Franco, who signed an 11-year, $182 million contract with the Rays in November 2021, was accused of a four-month relationship with the minor, during which he transferred thousands of dollars and a car to the girl's mother [1, 2]. The minor's mother was convicted and sentenced to 10 years in prison for sexually trafficking her daughter [1, 2].
Franco was arrested in January 2024 after prosecutors presented evidence of his payments to the mother and the alleged relationship. Six months later, the Rays placed him on their restricted list, suspending his pay. He last played on August 12, 2023, before his administrative leave began [1, 2].
Dominican judge Teodosio Jáquez said Franco "was exempted from punishment because the president of the court established that he was also a victim and because he is exempted from punishment through judicial pardon" [1]. Jáquez also noted the full sentencing documents were not yet available, saying, "When we have the full sentence in hand, we will give you more details" [2].
While Franco was exempted from prison time, the conviction remains on his record [2]. Major League Baseball will investigate and could suspend Franco under its Joint Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault and Child Abuse Policy [2].
The minor's mother received a 10-year sentence for her role in the trafficking. Franco faces ongoing legal and league scrutiny. His sentencing hearing was scheduled for June 16, 2026, but reports differ on whether a sentence was initially imposed and then reversed on appeal [1, 2].
Franco said, "I feel calm, continue supporting me and trusting in me" [1]. The Rays have taken no further public action since placing him on the restricted list. The case remains active in the Dominican legal system and MLB investigation.
