Dominican authorities are requesting a five-year prison sentence for Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Wander Franco, who is currently on administrative leave amid allegations of having a sexual relationship with a minor.
According to the Associated Press, prosecutors claim Franco had a four-month relationship with a 14-year-old girl and transferred large sums of money to her mother, $68,500 and $35,000 reportedly found during a police raid of the mother’s home. As a result, prosecutors are also seeking a 10-year sentence for the mother on sex trafficking charges.
Franco’s legal team maintains his innocence and has petitioned the court to drop the charges. “What is Wander? Is he an accomplice of [the mother], or is he the material author of the criminal conspiracy offense?” said defense attorney Irina Ventura in court.
The 24-year-old was enjoying a breakout season in 2023 before being placed on the restricted list in August when the allegations surfaced. He has not played in a Major League game since and remains on administrative leave under MLB’s joint domestic violence, sexual assault, and child abuse policy.
Earlier this month, Franco was also charged in a separate case involving illegal gun possession following a November altercation. Authorities allegedly discovered a firearm in his vehicle during the incident.
Franco’s trial began on June 2 after several delays. He was initially facing up to 30 years in prison, but prosecutors are now pursuing a reduced sentence of five years. MLB’s investigation into the matter remains ongoing.