Franco Trial Begins Over Sexual Abuse Charges \ TezzBuzz \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Wander Franco is on trial in the Dominican Republic over serious allegations involving a 14-year-old girl. He faces multiple charges, including sexual abuse and human trafficking, and could face up to 30 years in prison. MLB placed Franco on the restricted list pending legal resolution.
Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Wander Francoonce considered one of Major League Baseball’s brightest young stars, is now facing serious legal jeopardy in his native Dominican Republicwhere his criminal trial for sexual abuse of a minor began on June 2, 2025.
Franco, now 24had been enjoying an All-Star caliber season in 2023 before Dominican prosecutors launched an investigation into allegations that he had engaged in an illicit relationship with a 14-year-old girland paid her mother a substantial sum in exchange for her consent. The case, which gained international attention, was initially set to go to trial in December 2024 but was postponed due to missing witnesses.
Franco faces multiple chargesincluding sexual abuse of a minor, sexual and commercial exploitationand human trafficking. According to court documents, prosecutors allege Franco sent 1 million Dominican pesos (approximately $17,000) through his mother to the girl’s mother on January 5, 2023. Additional raids reportedly uncovered over $100,000 in cashwhich authorities claim Franco also provided.
The mother of the minor, a former bank employee, has been charged with money laundering and is currently under house arrest. Prosecutors say she used the funds to significantly upgrade her lifestyle, purchasing assets and displaying signs of wealth inconsistent with her previous income.
On the first day of trialFranco addressed the court briefly, saying, “I heard all they said, but I wanted to say that justice must be done.” He has otherwise refrained from speaking publicly or to the press about the case.
The trial is taking place in Puerto Plataunder Judge Pascual Valenzuelawho ruled in September 2024 that there was sufficient evidence to proceed to trial after more than a year of investigation.
Franco’s legal issues aren’t limited to the abuse case. In November 2024he was arrested in connection with a separate incident involving the illegal possession of a firearm. Police intervened during a dispute in an apartment complex parking lot, during which two firearms were seized. Franco was released under supervised conditionsrequired to appear before a judge monthly while that investigation proceeds. One of the guns was registered to his uncle, and Franco’s attorneys argue that the licensed weapon does not constitute illegal possession.
If convicted of firearm- offenses, Franco could face an additional three to five years in prison.
Franco signed an 11-year, $182 million contract with the Tampa Bay Rays in 2021one of the largest deals in franchise history. After the Dominican investigation began, MLB placed Franco on administrative leave in August 2023. Under the joint domestic violence, sexual assault, and child abuse policy between MLB and the players’ union, administrative leave is not considered disciplinary, allowing players to be paid during that period.
Franco was on leave for nearly a year and received half of his $2 million 2024 salaryearning $1,118,280 for 104 days of the 186-day MLB season, according to a source familiar with the matter. That arrangement changed after Dominican prosecutors formally filed charges on July 10, 2024. MLB then transferred Franco to the restricted listeffectively cutting off his pay.
With Franco now formally on trial, MLB is expected to wait for the legal process to conclude before deciding on disciplinary action. Under current policy, players can be suspended or banned regardless of criminal convictions if the league finds sufficient evidence of misconduct.
Franco has not appeared in a major league game since August 2023and the Rays have not commented extensively on his future with the organization. His case remains one of the most high-profile criminal matters involving a current MLB player in recent history.
As the trial unfolds in the Dominican Republic, baseball fans, legal analysts, and league officials will be watching closely. The potential outcome could alter the course of Franco’s career—and raise renewed scrutiny on how MLB handles allegations of abuse and criminal conduct abroad.
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Franco Trial Begins
