Shortstop Avoids Prison Time Despite Grave Charges; Mother Of Victim Sentenced To 10 Years
Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Wander Franco, 24, was found guilty on Thursday of sexual and commercial exploitation against a minor and human trafficking. However, he received a two-year suspended sentence, meaning he will not serve time in prison unless he violates the terms of his probation.
Franco was arrested last year following accusations of a four-month relationship with a then-14-year-old girl. He was also accused of transferring thousands of dollars to the girl’s mother, who was also found guilty in the case and will serve a full 10-year prison sentence.
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Prosecutors had sought a five-year prison term for Franco.
According to the Associated Press, during the trial, prosecutors presented a significant amount of evidence, including testimony from 31 witnesses, which was orally reviewed by the primary judge, Jakayra Veras García, before the three judges issued their unanimous ruling.
“This is a somewhat complex process,” Judge Veras García stated during her presentation. More than an hour into her review of the evidence, she added, “The court has understood that this minor was manipulated.”
Franco, who appeared expressionless and leaned forward at times during the judge’s review, now faces an uncertain future regarding his baseball career, according to the AP.
The Tampa Bay Rays had suspended him following the initial accusations.
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