Wander Franco’s attorney to ask court to exonerate his client in sexual abuse case
PUERTO LA PLATA, Dominican Republic — Wander Franco, the talented shortstop for the Tampa Bay Rays, is facing serious allegations in a sexual abuse case involving a minor. His attorney, Teodosio Jáquez, is determined to clear his client’s name and seek exoneration from all charges brought against him.
Franco, who was charged in July 2024 and is currently on supervised release, could potentially face up to 30 years in prison if found guilty of the alleged crimes. Jáquez adamantly maintains Franco’s innocence, stating that his client did not commit the acts he is accused of.
The case, unfolding in the Collegiate Court of Puerto Plata, has seen intense scrutiny from both sides. Prosecutors claim that witnesses have provided crucial testimony implicating Franco in the sexual abuse of a minor, alleging that he also paid the girl’s mother for her consent. Claudio Cordero, the prosecutor handling the case, emphasized the gravity of the charges, including child sexual abuse, commercial sexual exploitation, and money laundering.
Documents presented by prosecutors allege that Franco, through his mother Yudelka Aybar, transferred a significant sum of money to the mother of the minor as part of the alleged scheme. The mother of the minor has also been charged with money laundering and is currently under house arrest.
In addition to the sexual abuse and exploitation charges, Franco faces accusations of human trafficking and illegal possession of a handgun. The latter charge stemmed from an incident in November 2023 when Franco was arrested following a confrontation in a parking lot. Although no injuries were reported, a handgun was found in Franco’s vehicle. Jáquez contends that the weapon does not belong to Franco, refuting the claims made by prosecutors.
Franco, a rising star in Major League Baseball, had his career abruptly halted in August 2023 amidst the legal troubles. He had recently signed a lucrative 11-year, $182 million contract in 2021. Currently on Major League Baseball’s restricted list, Franco’s future in the sport remains uncertain as the legal proceedings continue.
As the case unfolds, the spotlight on Franco intensifies, with media scrutiny and public attention adding to the pressure. Jáquez remains steadfast in his defense of his client, emphasizing the need for due process and the presumption of innocence until proven guilty.
The outcome of Franco’s legal battle will have far-reaching implications, not only for his career but also for the reputation of the sport and the pursuit of justice in cases of alleged misconduct. Stay tuned for further developments as the case progresses.
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