Breaking: Rays’ Star Franco Convicted in Shocking Sexual Abuse Case

Tampa Bay Rays’ shortstop Wander Franco was found guilty of sexually abusing a minor in the Dominican Republic. The case stemmed from an inappropriate relationship with a 14-year-old girl when he was 21. On Thursday, he received a suspended two-year prison sentence. Prosecutors had aimed for a five-year term, but the judge decided not to impose further jail time, provided Franco avoids any contacts with minors for sexual purposes.

The victim’s mother, Martha Vanessa Chevalier Almonte, also faced consequences. She was convicted of trafficking her daughter and received a 10-year sentence after it was shown that she sought financial gain from Franco.

Currently, Franco is on Major League Baseball’s (MLB) restricted list due to his failure to report to the team. His conviction complicates his chances of obtaining a work visa in the U.S. If he can’t secure it, he will remain on this list, allowing the Rays to withhold payments from his 11-year, $182 million contract.

MLB is still investigating Franco under its policy on domestic violence and sexual abuse. The league stated, “We are proud to have a collectively bargained Joint Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault and Child Abuse Policy that reflects our commitment to these issues.”

In August 2023, social media posts surfaced, claiming Franco was involved in an inappropriate relationship with a teenager. Despite his denial of the allegations, MLB placed him on paid administrative leave until his formal charges in July 2024, leading to his current restricted status.

Prosecutors revealed that Franco met the girl online and had sexual relations with her twice in December 2022. He arranged for helicopters or cars to transport her from her home near Puerto Plata to his place in Bani. Following a police raid on her house, authorities found a substantial amount of cash—$68,500 in U.S. dollars and around 800,000 Dominican pesos (approximately $13,700).

Franco was once a rising star in baseball, debuting at 20 years old and quickly making a name for himself. The Rays signed him for $3.8 million when he was just 16, and after a stellar second season, they secured him with the largest long-term deal in franchise history. His promising 2023 season, which included an All-Star nod, was abruptly halted by these allegations.

Adding another layer to his troubles, in June, Franco was charged for illegal possession of a handgun after a parking lot altercation in San Juan de la Maguana.

As this case unfolds, it highlights the complexities both within sports and society concerning accountability, power dynamics, and the impact of personal choices on professional careers.



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