Dominican Court Orders New Trial for Tampa Bay Rays’ Wander Franco
An appeals court in the Dominican Republic has mandated a new trial for Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Wander Franco. This decision follows his earlier conviction for sexually abusing a minor and his receipt of a two-year suspended sentence.
Franco’s legal team successfully argued for overturning the original sentencing, highlighting procedural flaws in the initial trial. Meanwhile, prosecutors, who sought a five-year sentence, have expressed confidence in their evidence and plan to vigorously pursue the case again.
Background of the Case
Franco was arrested last year over allegations involving a four-month relationship with a 14-year-old girl. Authorities also claimed he transferred significant sums of money to the girl’s mother to secure her consent to the relationship. Franco, then 22, faced intensifying legal challenges after the Tampa Bay Rays placed him on the restricted list, freezing his pay.
In June, a panel of three judges found Franco guilty of sexual abuse but acquitted him of sexual and commercial exploitation and human trafficking charges. Meanwhile, the girl’s mother was convicted of commercial sexual exploitation and money laundering, receiving a 10-year prison sentence.
Appeals Court Ruling and Reactions
The appeals court cited “many flaws” and “omissions” in the previous trial. Franco’s attorney, Teodosio Jáquez, welcomed the decision, stating that a new panel of judges will review the case under fairer conditions.
Prosecutor José Martínez Montan reaffirmed his belief in the initial trial’s evidence. He said, “We won the case in the first trial, and we expect the same in the new trial.” The court also granted the girl’s mother a new trial.
Implications Moving Forward
This ruling pauses the current legal standing against Wander Franco and prolongs the judicial process. The new trial offers both sides a renewed opportunity to argue their cases before a fresh set of judges. The developments are closely watched by MLB fans and legal observers alike.
Franco remains under administrative leave from professional baseball while legal proceedings continue in the Dominican Republic.
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