Wander Franco Convicted Sexual Abuse Minor Dominican Republic Suspended Sentence

Wander Franco, the Tampa Bay Rays shortstop once hailed as baseball's top prospect, was found guilty in the Dominican Republic of having a sexual relationship with a 14-year-old girl when he was 21. Despite the guilty verdict, he received a two-year suspended sentence and probation, avoiding prison time, while the victim's mother was sentenced to 10 years for trafficking and money laundering related to the case. MLB has placed Franco on its restricted list and is conducting its own investigation, with statements emphasizing their commitment to addressing domestic violence, sexual assault, and child abuse. Immigration attorneys warn that Franco’s conviction likely bars him from obtaining a U.S. visa or returning to play in Major League Baseball, as the crime is classified as involving moral turpitude. Franco’s legal team plans to appeal, but unless the conviction is overturned, his chances of resuming his MLB career remain slim. The case has ignited public debate over his future and broader issues of accountability in professional sports.