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Rays’ Wander Franco avoids prison time in sexual abuse trial
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- Rays’ Wander Franco avoids prison time in sexual abuse trial
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Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Wander Franco was found criminally responsible for sexual and psychological abuse of a minor in the Dominican Republic, but he will not serve a prison sentence , according to ESPN’s Juan Arturo Recio. The 2023 All-Star was granted a second trial from an appeals court after he was originally convicted last June.
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Franco will get his full sentence on June 16, per USA Today’s Bob Nightengale. The victim’s mother was sentenced to 10 years in prison for money laundering. The girl was just 14 years old at the time when a 21-year-old Franco pursued an illegal relationship with her. He remains on MLB’s restricted list, but following this latest guilty verdict, one has to wonder if his contract with the Rays will officially be terminated.
The Dominican talent signed an 11-year, $182 million extension in 2021, which remains the largest deal in the franchise’s history. He was quickly becoming the face of Tampa Bay baseball before his arrest. Wander Franco has not played in an MLB game since Aug. 12, 2023. It seems unlikely that he ever will again.
People have waited a long time to see the man face justice for his crimes, but there will be copious outrage following the latest news. Despite the prosecution’s initial attempts to secure a five-year stay in prison, Franco will avoid incarceration altogether.
The 25-year-old seemingly obtains his freedom, but his dream of a long and prosperous MLB career has presumably come to an end. ClutchPoints will keep you informed on any major developments in this case.
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