Some developments have emerged in the case involving Tampa Bay Rays’ shortstop Wander Franco, as reported by Martín Adames Alcántara of the Associated Press. Initially facing accusations of commercial and sexual exploitation and money laundering in the Dominican Republic, Franco will now be charged with the lesser offenses of sexual and psychological abuse.
The allegations against Franco include a relationship with a 14-year-old girl and payments made to her mother to maintain silence regarding the abuse. However, Judge Romaldy Marcelino ruled that the money paid to the girl’s mother could not be categorized as payment for services, as it was requested after the relationship was exposed. This development led to the reduction in charges from the initial accusations.
The judge stated that the case initially received more serious consideration due to Franco’s status as a professional MLB player. The original charges carried potential prison sentences ranging from 10 to 30 years, while the new charges may lead to a sentence of two to five years. It’s worth noting that Franco has not yet been formally accused of the new charges.
The money laundering charges against the 35-year-old mother involved in the case remain in place, and she continues to be under house arrest. Her identity is being protected to safeguard her daughter’s anonymity. Franco was recently released on bail after posting a bond of 2 million Dominican pesos, equivalent to approximately $34,000 USD. While he is free to leave the country, he is required to report to Dominican authorities monthly as the investigation unfolds.
Despite being able to depart the Dominican Republic, Franco may encounter complications related to his U.S. visa. U.S. immigration attorneys have raised concerns that the U.S. government could revoke his visa on grounds of being a threat to public safety based on the charges against him. This could hinder his return to the United States, even if he possesses a valid visa, and he may risk being detained at the border and facing further custody.
Furthermore, if convicted, Franco could be barred from entering the United States. Under the Immigration and Nationality Act, a “crime of violence” punishable by more than a year in prison could lead to a permanent ban from the United States. While Franco currently holds a five-year P-1A Athlete visa, the burden is on the foreign citizen to prove their eligibility for admission. The government can deny admission if it determines there are reasonable grounds to do so.
Regarding his contract with the Tampa Bay Rays, there is no precedent for voiding such an agreement. In November 2021, Franco and the Rays agreed to an 11-year, $182 million extension that extends through 2032.
Additionally, Major League Baseball is conducting its own investigation under the MLB/MLBPA Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault, and Child Abuse policy. The league typically awaits the conclusion of legal proceedings before making its own determinations, and it retains the authority to impose disciplinary measures, even if Franco escapes legal consequences.
Franco was placed on the restricted list in August 2023 as the allegations surfaced. He was reinstated at the end of the season, but it is likely that he will return to the restricted list if the investigations continue into the 2024 season.