Wander Franco is on trial in sexual abuse case | Y100 WNCY | Your home for country and pleasure

A judge in the Dominican Republic on Thursday ordered shortstop Wander Franco to stand trial on charges of sexually abusing a minor.

Judge Pascual Valenzuela ruled from his courtroom in Puerto Plata that there was sufficient evidence against Franco to warrant a trial. No date has yet been set for what will be a bench trial.

Franco, 23, was two-thirds of the way through his 2023 All-Star season for the Tampa Bay Rays when he was placed on administrative leave last August as officials in the Dominican Republic launched an investigation into allegations of a sexual relationship with a minor. He has not returned to the Rays.

Charges were filed last July and the Rays moved Franco to the restricted list, which came without pay. Under an agreement with the MLB Players’ Association, Franco would receive his salary while on administrative leave, but he would receive no money if he were charged.

According to ESPN, Franco faces up to 20 years in prison on charges of sexual abuse, sexual exploitation of a minor and human trafficking.

He is also under investigation by Major League Baseball.

Franco signed an 11-year, $182 million contract extension with the Rays in November 2001. He would earn $2.45 million in 2023 and 2024, with the value rising annually until annual pay reaches $25.45 million in 2028 and for life. of the contract.

ESPN reported that also on Thursday, the father of the girl involved in the case had reached an agreement to withdraw a complaint he filed against Franco. Terms were not disclosed.

– Media at field level