A Dominican judge has ruled that Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Wander Franco was criminally responsible for sexual and psychological abuse of a minor but exempted him from serving a sentence through a judicial pardon.
The judge also ruled that he was a victim of blackmail and extortion in the case and sentenced the child’s mother to 10 years in prison.
While Franco remains on the Rays’ roster, but has not played for the team since August 12, 2023, when he was placed on indefinite administrative leave and moved to the restricted list following legal issues in the Dominican Republic.
More details here.
