Wander Franco could be facing up to 20 years in prison over his alleged relationship with a minor.
Officials in the Dominican Republic are debating what charges to file against Franco for allegedly having a sexual relationship with a 14-year-old girl.
Prosecutors in the D.R. presented charges of commercial sexual exploitation and money laundering. Some officials are pushing for statuatory rape charges, which would come with a prison sentence of 10-20 years. But the judge in the case instead is recommending Franco face counts of sexual and psychological abuse. Sexual abuse charges carry a 2-5 year prison sentence.
The information about the possible charges and punishments for Franco were included in a longer article published by ESPN Friday about the shortstop’s case.
ESPN reviewed the 600-page document that was presented to the judge in the case.
The document included quotes from Franco to the girl, such as the Tampa Bay Rays infielder acknowledging he took risks and “loved it.” Franco was alleged to have sent cars/helicopters to pick up the 14-year-old girl and bring her to his home in the Dominican Republic.
The relationship between the girl and Franco ended after she began seeing someone else. They had a final text message exchange via WhatsApp that left the girl upset. She later contacted a reporter, and her mother filed an official complaint about the relationship.
The girl is said to have a tumultuous relationship with her mother, whom the girl claimed is abusive. The girl, who is now 15, moved out of her home and also sent a letter to her family saying she was going to kill herself.
Franco was at spring training with the Rays over the final two months of their relationship. Allegations of the relationship were leaked on Aug. 14.
The 22-year-old Franco has been on paid administrative leave by MLB since August. He batted .281 with an .819 OPS, 17 home runs and 30 stolen bases in 112 games in 2023 before going on leave.
