Wander Franco: A Fall from Grace

Wander Franco, a former rising star in Major League Baseball, has faced serious legal trouble. He was found guilty of sexual abuse of a minor in the Dominican Republic. Franco, who was 21 at the time, had a relationship with a 14-year-old girl. The judge gave him a suspended two-year sentence. This means he won't go to prison unless he breaks certain rules, like contacting minors with bad intentions. The mother of the victim, Martha Vanessa Chevalier Almonte, was also convicted. She was sentenced to 10 years in prison. Prosecutors proved she tried to get money from Franco and laundered it. Franco's future in baseball is uncertain. He is on MLB's restricted list because he didn't report to his team, the Tampa Bay Rays. Getting a work visa in the U. S. might be tough for him now. If he can't get the visa, he'll stay on the restricted list. This means the Rays won't have to pay his huge contract.MLB is still investigating Franco. He could face more punishment under their policy on domestic violence, sexual assault, and child abuse. The league said they are committed to these issues and will conclude their investigation when the time is right. Franco met the girl online and had two sexual encounters with her in December 2022. He would send helicopters or cars to pick her up and bring her to his home. Police found a lot of money at the girl's home during a raid. Franco was once the top prospect in baseball. He debuted at 20 years old and quickly became a star for the Rays. They signed him as a 16-year-old for $3. 8 million. After his second season, the Rays gave him the largest contract in franchise history. Before the allegations, he was having a great season in 2023 and was named an All-Star for the first time. In a separate incident, Franco was charged in June for illegal possession of a handgun after a fight in a parking lot.