Late Tuesday night news broke that Rays’ shortstop Wander Franco has been formally charged in the Dominican courts with sexual abuse and sexual exploitation of a minor. The minor’s mother, additionally, has been charged with trafficking, sexual exploitation, as well as money laundering for the part she has allegedly played in these proceedings.
While it is important to note that a charge is not the same as a verdict, this certainly isn’t good news for Franco, who has claimed that he is innocent of all allegations.
These charges stem from a scandal that broke early this year that alleged Franco engaged in sexual acts with a 14-year-old girl while he was 21 years old. The age of consent in the Dominican Republic is 18. The girl’s mother allegedly received gifts and payments from Franco for her part in allowing the abuse to continue. The girl later told a psychologist, “I don’t see her as a mother. A mother doesn’t do what she has done with me.”
If he were to be convicted, Franco’s MLB career would certainly be over. He could face up to 20 years in prison if found guilty of his alleged crimes. Being charged formally indicates the prosecution feels confident enough in their case to proceed to the next steps in court.
This news is just breaking, we will offer more updates as information becomes available.
