'Wander Franco found criminally responsible for abuse, but no prison'

(ESPN) "PUERTO PLATA, Dominican Republic -- Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Wander Franco was declared criminally responsible for the sexual and psychological abuse of a minor, but he will not serve a sentence for it, a Dominican judge ruled Monday."

"Judge José Antonio Núñez, in his decision, considered that Franco had been the victim of extortion and blackmail by the minor's mother, who was sentenced to 10 years in prison for sexually trafficking her daughter."

"Franco was arrested in January 2024 after being accused of having a four-month relationship with a girl who was 14 at the time and transferring thousands of dollars to her mother to consent to the illegal relationship."

"After the ruling, Franco left the courthouse alongside his lawyer, Teodosio Jáquez, and briefly answered reporters' questions, saying, 'I feel calm' and asking his fans to 'continue supporting me and trusting in me.' "

Continued at link:

https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/48874820/wander-franco-found-criminally-responsible-abuse-no-jail

Franco signed an 11-year, $182 million contract with the Tampa Bay Rays, but was suspended when it was announced he was being investigated for having a relationship with a minor. Let's see how the Rays handle Franco's situation now.