Wander Franco Facing Lesser Charges In Dominican Republic
11 months agoTampa Bay Rays shortstop Wander Franco is facing a lesser charge after a judge in the Dominican Republic analyzed evidence that alleges he had a relationship with a 14-year-old girl and paid her mother thousands of dollars for her consent. Franco was originally accused of commercial and sexual exploitation and money laundering, charges that carry up to 30 yards, 10 years and 20 years of prison respectively. He now stands accused of sexual and psychological abuse. He has not been formally accused, but if found guilty, he could face between two to five years in prison. Franco was released from jail on Monday but is required to meet with authorities once a month in the Dominican as the investigation continues, and he's unlikely to be allowed back into the U.S. anytime soon, which means he's unlikely to play for the Rays by Opening Day. There's a high probability the 22-year-old won't play major-league baseball again.
Source: The Associated Press
Source: The Associated Press