Wander Franco's Attorney Seeks Exoneration as Trial for Child Sexual Abuse Charges Continues

Wander Franco's attorney, Teodosio Jáquez, has announced that he will ask the court to exonerate the Tampa Bay Rays shortstop of all charges in a sexual abuse case involving a 14-year-old girl at the time of the alleged crimes. The case has been ongoing since Franco's arrest in November 2024, and he faces up to 30 years in prison if found guilty. Jáquez asserts that the prosecution must prove Franco's guilt, as the witnesses' testimony has been crucial in establishing the facts of the case.

Key Takeaways:

• Franco has been charged with sexual and commercial exploitation against a minor, human trafficking, and money laundering, among other crimes.
• Prosecutors allege that Franco paid the minor's mother $17,000 to consent to the abuse, as evidenced by documents presented to the judge last year.
• Franco's attorney claims that the player did not commit the acts he is accused of and that the witnesses' testimony is crucial to the prosecution's case.
• Franco was arrested in November 2024 after an altercation in a parking lot, during which a handgun was found in his vehicle.
• Franco's contract with the Tampa Bay Rays includes an 11-year, $182 million deal signed in November 2021.
• Franco is currently on Major League Baseball's restricted list after being placed on administrative leave.

Statistics:

• The prosecution alleges that Franco transferred $17,000 to the minor's mother on January 5, 2023.
• Franco's contract includes an 11-year, $182 million deal signed in November 2021.
• Franco faces up to 30 years in prison if found guilty of the charges against him.
• The minor's mother has been charged with money laundering and is currently under house arrest.

Sources:

• The Associated Press;
• The Dominican Public Prosecutor's Office;
• A statement from Teodosio Jáquez, Franco's attorney.