Dominican prosecutors seek a five-year prison sentence for MLB star Wander Franco over alleged sexual abuse of a 14-year-old girl, with evidence showing he paid the minor’s mother who now faces 10 years for trafficking her own daughter.
Key Takeaways
- Dominican prosecutors have requested a five-year prison sentence for suspended Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Wander Franco for sexual abuse charges involving a 14-year-old girl
- The minor’s mother faces a 10-year sentence for human trafficking and money laundering after allegedly accepting large payments from Franco
- Police discovered $68,500 and $35,000 at the mother’s home, allegedly delivered by Franco as payment for access to the minor
- If convicted, Franco could lose $174 million remaining on his MLB contract and face permanent banishment from entering the United States
- Franco faces additional legal troubles from a November altercation including illegal possession of firearms charges
MLB Star Faces Serious Sexual Abuse Charges
The once-promising career of Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Wander Franco now hangs in the balance as Dominican prosecutors seek a five-year prison sentence for the baseball star. Franco faces multiple serious charges including sexual abuse of a minor, sexual exploitation, and human trafficking in a case that has shocked both baseball fans and the general public. The allegations stem from an alleged relationship with a 14-year-old girl that prosecutors claim lasted approximately four months. The case represents a dramatic fall from grace for Franco, who signed an 11-year, $182 million contract extension with the Rays in 2021 that could have been worth up to $223 million.
From @JuanRecioM's reporting in the DR today:
Prosecutors seek a five-year sentence for Wander Franco for sexual abuse, commercial sexual exploitation and human trafficking of a minor.
Wander's defense team has requested the case be dismissed due to a lack of evidence.
— Alden González (@Alden_Gonzalez) June 23, 2025
The trial, which began on June 2 in Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic, has exposed disturbing details about the alleged crimes. Prosecutors have presented evidence of financial transactions between Franco and the minor’s mother, who is herself facing a 10-year prison sentence for money laundering and human trafficking charges. Law enforcement officials discovered substantial cash reserves at the mother’s residence – $68,500 and $35,000 – allegedly delivered by Franco as payment for access to the minor. These financial transactions form a central part of the prosecution’s case against both defendants.
Legal Defense Claims Extortion Plot
Franco’s defense team has vigorously fought against the allegations, claiming their client is actually the victim of an elaborate extortion scheme. His attorney, Irina Ventura, has portrayed Franco as a young man being unfairly targeted, attempting to garner sympathy for the baseball player despite the serious nature of the charges. “Wander is a young man who has been demonized. Wander is a kid. Even though he’s of legal age, Wander is a young man. How old do people here think Wander is?” said Irina Ventura.
The defense has also claimed that the investigation was biased and that key evidence favorable to Franco was excluded. They have questioned Franco’s role in the alleged crimes, attempting to shift blame toward the mother. “What is Wander? Is he an accomplice of [the mother], or is he the material author of the criminal conspiracy offense?” questioned Irina Ventura.
MLB Response and Potential Consequences
Major League Baseball has taken a cautious approach to the allegations, placing Franco on administrative leave since August 2023 when the accusations first surfaced. After formal charges were filed, the league moved him to the restricted list. The MLB’s own investigation into Franco’s conduct is ongoing and operates independently from the legal proceedings in the Dominican Republic. Even if Franco is eventually exonerated in court, MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred could still impose a substantial suspension under the league’s domestic violence and child abuse policy.
“Prosecutors in the Dominican Republic have asked that suspended Tampa Bay Rays player Wander Franco be sentenced to five years in prison amid allegations that he had a sexual relationship with a minor, according to The Associated Press.”
The consequences for Franco extend far beyond potential prison time. If convicted, he could face permanent banishment from entering the United States and lose the $174 million remaining on his contract. Additionally, Franco faces separate legal troubles stemming from a November altercation that resulted in charges of illegal firearm possession. The presiding judge, Jakayra Veras, has delayed announcing a verdict due to the extensive evidence and statements presented, saying, “Justice has been requested, and we will do so after deliberation and consideration.”
