Rays Shortstop Wander Franco Faces Sexual Abuse, Human Trafficking Trial in Dominican Republic

Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Wander Franco has gone on trial in the Dominican Republic, facing charges of sexual abuse, sexual and commercial exploitation of a minor, and human trafficking. Prosecutors allege that Franco, 24, had a months-long sexual relationship with a 14-year-old girl and paid her mother thousands of dollars, including cash and gifts, to consent to and conceal the abuse. Authorities claim the mother used these funds to acquire assets and is herself charged with money laundering and under house arrest. Franco, who maintains his innocence and claims he is being blackmailed, has called for justice to be done and argues through his defense that the prosecution's case is flawed and lacks evidence. The trial, which could last up to eight months, will be decided by a panel of judges as jury trials are not practiced in the Dominican Republic. Franco has been placed on MLB's restricted list and is not receiving pay from the Rays during the proceedings.