Ex-MLB star Wander Franco granted judicial pardon despite being found guilty of sexual assault

A Dominican Republic judge ruled that Wander Franco sexually abused a 14-year-old girl in 2023. The judge also stated that Franco would not be sentenced to prison because he was treated as a material victim of blackmail and extortion by the girl’s mother. The court found the mother extorted thousands of dollars from Franco and later received a 10-year prison sentence for commercial sexual exploitation of a minor and money laundering. The ruling places Franco in violation of Major League Baseball’s Joint Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault and Child Abuse Policy due to findings of repeated sex with a minor. Major League Baseball is investigating the conduct, and the Rays said they will cooperate while the league completes its review.

"“It seems contradictory to declare criminal responsibility and, at the same time, exempt him from punishment,” Núñez said. “The court has granted Wander Franco a judicial pardon due to the particular circumstances that made him a material victim, but not a legal one.”"

"The court found that the girl's mother extorted thousands of dollars from Franco. The woman was sentenced to 10 years in prison on charges of commercial sexual exploitation of a minor and money laundering."

"The odds are long that Franco will return to Major League Baseball any time soon. The fact that the court found him guilty of repeatedly having sex with a minor puts him squarely in violation of MLB's Joint Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault and Child Abuse Policy. The league is in the midst of an investigation into Franco's conduct."

"“We respect the legal process and the decision issued by the court,” the Rays said in a statement. “This is a serious matter, and our thoughts remain with those affected by the case. The Rays will continue to cooperate fully with Major League Baseball as it completes its review under the league's Joint Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault and Child Abuse Policy. Out of respect for the legal process and all parties involved, we will have no further comment at this time.”"

Read at Los Angeles Times