Wonder Franco, shortstop for the Tampa Bay Rays, was sentenced to two years in prison on multiple charges arising from the Dominican Republic.
According to reports from Jeff Passan from ESPNFranco was sentenced to two years of suspension on multiple charges related to an inappropriate relationship with a 14-year-old girl: sexual abuse and money laundering. Franco He was 21 at the time of the crime. The prosecutor was sought a five-year term. (Related: Super Bowl halftime protester arrested; also known as “victim” in the shooting incident involving Antonio Brown.)
Franco was found guilty of encouraging relationships with minor girls coordinated by the mother of their children. The mother has released a false claim that Franco has not been paid to develop a relationship with her daughter.
Martha Vanessa Chevalier Almonte, the mother of the child, 10 Years of Prison After being convicted of sex trafficking.
Shortstop Wonder Franco of the Tampa Bay Rays was found guilty of sexual abuse of a minor in the Dominican Republic after having sexually connected to a 14-year-old girl at the age of 21 and receiving two years in prison on Thursday.
more: https://t.co/r7gqqkjspd pic.twitter.com/0f4vm2mdzj
-espn (@espn) June 26, 2025
Franco, who last played the MLB game in 2023, signed an 11-year, $182 million contract with Tampa Bay in 2021. He was immediately removed from the Rays’ August 13, 2023 lineup following accusations that the 14-year-old girl is on the rise in social media.
Shortly afterwards, Franco was placed on MLB’s indefinite administrative leave. He could face further punishment until he waits for an investigation.
