Wander Franco Convicted of Sexual Abuse in DR

Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Wander Franco was found guilty in the Dominican Republic of sexually abusing a 14-year-old girl while he was 21, receiving a two-year suspended prison sentence with court-imposed conditions prohibiting contact with minors for sexual purposes. The sentence allows Franco to remain free unless he violates these conditions, in which case he could serve the full prison term. The girl's mother was sentenced to 10 years in prison for sex trafficking. Franco's conviction makes it highly unlikely he will obtain a U.S. work visa, jeopardizing his MLB career and the remainder of his $182 million contract, which the Rays could attempt to void. MLB is conducting its own investigation and may impose further disciplinary action under its domestic violence, sexual assault, and child abuse policy. Franco also faces a separate gun-related legal charge stemming from a recent altercation.