Wander Franco's sexual abuse trial begins in Dominican Republic
The Brief
The trial of Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Wander Franco began Monday in the Dominican Republic.
Franco faces up to 30 years in prison if convicted of sexually abusing a minor, sexual and commercial exploitation against a minor, and human trafficking.
He spoke in court on Monday, promising to testify in his own defense.
SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic - The trial of Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Wander Franco is underway in the Dominican Republic, with Franco speaking in court on Monday.
The backstory
The investigation into Franco began in 2023 in the northern province of Puerto Plata. In July 2024, prosecutors formally charged him with sexually abusing a minor, sexual and commercial exploitation against a minor, and human trafficking.
Investigators say Franco, who is now 24, had a relationship with a 14-year-old girl and, through his mother, transferred 1 million pesos – or about $17,000 – to the teen's mother in January 2023.
Prosecutors allege that the teen's mother used the money from Franco to live an extravagant lifestyle. She's charged with money laundering.
The prosecution said in court on Monday that they plan to call at least seven witnesses as they present their case.
PREVIOUS: Rays' Wander Franco used his mother to pay the mother of a minor he is accused of abusing, documents say
The other side
Franco's lawyers said in court on Monday that some of the evidence against him is fraudulent and illegal.
Defense attorneys also said that the underage girl denied having sexual relations with Franco.
What they're saying
In court on Monday, Franco promised to testify in his own defense, saying he wants justice to be served.
"I heard all they said, but I wanted to say that justice must be done," Franco told the judges.
Dig deeper
According to the Associated Press, the trial could take up to eight months before a verdict is reached.
Franco's fate will be decided by a panel of judges since there are no jury trials in the Dominican Republic.
He faces up to 30 years in prison if convicted.
RELATED: Rays' Wander Franco arrested in Dominican Republic after incident where guns were drawn: Reports
Franco, who signed an 11-year, $182 million contract extension with the Rays in 2021 and hasn't played since 2023, is on Major League Baseball's restricted list, so he is no longer being paid by the team.
He was being paid, though, for nearly a year after the investigation began. Franco was on administrative leave until prosecutors filed charges in July 2024, allowing him to receive 50% of his salary during that time.
Any further discipline from MLB will likely be decided after the trial.
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The Source
Information for this story was gathered by FOX 13's Regina Gonzalez. The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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