In the Dominican Republic, a judge has imposed a deadline of June 1 for prosecutors to either officially indict Wander Franco, the standout shortstop for the Tampa Bay Rays, or provide evidence substantiating their case.
Franco has been on administrative leave from the Rays since last August following allegations of child sex crimes in his native country. Prosecutors assert that Franco was involved in a clandestine scheme of child abuse with Martha Almonte, the mother of a 14-year-old girl at the time, leading to charges of sexual and psychological abuse. Almonte is presently under house arrest.
Wander Franco is being investigated by Dominican authorities. His case is being handled by a division that focuses on minors/gender violence and a judge who specializes in child abuse
(via @JeffPassan) pic.twitter.com/heT1opUuWh
— Talkin’ Baseball (@TalkinBaseball_) August 16, 2023
According to records, the teenager brought the accusations of abuse to light on social media, accusing her mother of sexually exploiting her. Notably, Franco had recently signed an 11-year extension deal with the Rays worth $182 million.
WhatsApp messages exchanged between the girl and Franco reveal his acknowledgment of the risks associated with their covert relationship, suggesting potential jeopardy for him, albeit expressing that it was worthwhile.
The pivotal question now emerges: Will the criminal case against Franco withstand legal scrutiny?
Defense attorney, Anthony Rickman, on whether the criminal case against Wander Franco will hold up in court: pic.twitter.com/PrCuWBF2ks
— Dan Clark (@DanClarkSports) April 4, 2024
Defense attorney Anthony Rickman offered insight, indicating that the case may be weakening as the judge reduced the original charges against Franco.
“To some extent, yes it is falling apart because the original charges that were brought against Franco were reduced by the judge,” stated Anthony Rickman. “The court found that the allegations of sexual exploitation didn’t meet the evidentiary standard for the government to proceed with the charges.”
Wander Franco is facing a lesser charge after a judge analyzed evidence.
Originally accused of commercial and sexual exploitation (30 years of prison) — Franco now is accused of sexual and psychological abuse.
If found guilty, he could face between 2-5 years in prison. pic.twitter.com/Bglpb9ZRZJ
— Mike Daddino (@mike_daddino) January 9, 2024
However, Rickman underscores that even if the charges dissolve in the Dominican Republic, Franco’s challenges may endure.
“Regardless of the Dominican courts’ decision on this criminal front, there are potential ramifications from Major League Baseball through the domestic abuse policy that could potentially preclude Franco from playing baseball in the major leagues,” Rickman cautioned.
