
Former Tampa Bay Rays star Wander Franco was officially found guilty in court on Monday afternoon, May 25.
Franco, 25, had a retrial over his charges of sexually abusing a minor in the Dominican Republic. He was convicted in his original trial last June. He received a two-year suspended sentence. Both Franco and the prosecutor's office appealed the results, with a retrial happening.
The new trial, which began last week, reached a verdict on Monday. Franco is alleged to have had an intimate relationship with then-14-year-old girl, allegedly paying off the minor’s mother.
Franco was officially found guilty on Monday, though he reportedly will not be serving prison time.
Wander Franco receives guilty verdict, but avoids prison sentence. The full sentencing will be June 16.
— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) May 25, 2026
The victim’s mother is sentenced 10 years in prison for money laundering. https://t.co/UOAxQr8nsc
Franco, who was an MLB All-Star at 22, hasn't played in an MLB game in roughly three years, when accusations first surfaced.
The former Rays star has been out of the country during this time, so Tampa Bay hasn't had to pay his salary.
However, Franco has about $160 million remaining on his massive contract extension.
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