Wander Franco criminally responsible for abuse, judge finds, but spared punishment in Dominican case
Wander Franco, a shortstop for the Tampa Bay Rays, has been declared criminally responsible for the sexual and psychological abuse of a minor but will not face punishment. A Dominican judge ruled that Franco was also a victim of extortion by the minor's mother, who has been sentenced to prison for trafficking. The full sentencing details are expected to be released on June 16, 2026.
- ▪Wander Franco was found criminally responsible for abusing a minor but will not serve a sentence.
- ▪The judge determined that Franco was a victim of extortion by the minor's mother, who received a ten-year prison sentence.
- ▪Franco was arrested in January 2024 after being accused of a relationship with a 14-year-old girl.
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