Wander Franco found guilty in child sex abuse case
NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!
The Tampa Bay Rays Wander Franco Tampa Bay Ray Copper was found guilty of sexual violence of a minor in the Dominican Republic on Thursday and was sentenced to a suspended prison sentence.
Franco, now 24, was arrested last year after being accused of having had sex with a 14 -year -old at the age of 21.
He also faced accusations of sexual and commercial exploitation against a minor and the trafficking in human beings.
Click here for more sports cover on Foxnews.com
Wander Franco des Rays de Tampa Bay during the fifth round against the Cleveland Guardians in Tropicana Field on August 12, 2023, in Saint Petersburg, Florida. (Douglas P. Defelice / Getty Images)
The prosecutors asked for a sentence of five years in prison for Franco. Martha Vanessa Chevalier Almonte, the mother of the victim, was found guilty of her daughter’s sexual traffic and sentenced to 10 years in prison.
Franco has transferred thousands of dollars to the mother’s mother to consent to the illegal relationship.
Ketel Marte de Diamondbacks receives overwhelming support after the cruel fan comments on the deceased mother
Wander Franco Des Battes de Tampa Bay Rays against the Kansas City Royals at Kauffman Stadium on July 15, 2023, in Kansas City, Mo. (Ed Zurga / Getty Images)
Franco played for the last time in the major baseball league in August 2023 before being put on administrative leave after allegations involving his relationship with the minor girl.
Franco is on MLB’s restricted list, and his conviction may make it unlikely to get a work visa in the United States and play again for Rays.
Click here to obtain the Fox News app
Tampa Bay Rays Shortstop Wander Franco launches the first goal of the seventh round against the Marlins of Miami in Tropicana Field in Saint Petersburg, Florida, July 25, 2023. (Jonathan Dyer / USA TODAY SPORTS)
Franco played three-season games with the Rays and was appointed All-Star during the 2023 season. In 263 career games, Franco reached 0.282 with 30 circuits, 130 products product and 40 stolen bases.
The Rays signed Franco to a contract of $ 182 million over 11 years in November 2021. The contract could have worth up to $ 223 million with a club option.
Follow Fox News Digital’s Sports cover on xand subscribe to The Newsletter Fox News Sports Huddle.
