The baseball world was shaken on Monday with the start of the trial against Tampa Bay Rays player Wander Franco, after he was accused of sexual and commercial exploitation of a minor. This could completely change the Dominican’s life both personally and professionally.
It was in the province of Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic, where this trial took place, which has attracted international attention since August 2023, when it was made public by Dominican media the investigation against him for allegedly having a relationship with a minor.
Wander Franco’s statements
For the first time, the Tampa Bay Rays shortstop spoke out in front of the judges, after having listened to the explanation by the prosecutors for the facts and the accusation against him, in a brief and forceful manner he said: “I have heard everything they say (in the reading of accusation), but the only thing I am going to declare is (I hope) that justice is done“
In the end, Franco thanked the time and opportunity he was given to speak. The authorities repeatedly pointed out that Wander had a relationship of exploitation and sexual abuse with a young minor for eight months, and during that time, the mother obtained an economic benefit to remain silent about the relationship between the two.
What’s next for Wander Franco?
After hearing the arguments of the prosecutors and the authorities of the trial, the defense of the Dominican shortstop took the floor, pointing out that the prosecution has no evidence to prove Wander Franco’s guilt of the crimes of which he is accused. They also pointed to a deficiency in the investigation and irregularities, so they would have no way of proving responsibility against their client.
If found guilty, Wander Franco could face up to 30 years in prison under the Dominican Penal Code. The situation has worsened as in November he was arrested for illegally carrying a firearm, although it was registered in his uncle’s name. The Dominican must attend court every month while the investigation continues.
The next hearing is scheduled for Thursday, when more news is expected on the situation of the Tampa Bay Rays shortstop. The noise generated by this case also put MLB in a bind, as the league has been heavily criticized for its handling of domestic violence and abuse cases, so fans of the ‘King of Sports’ and the press are waiting for the outcome of this story.
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