Wander Franco sexual abuse allegations: Complete timeline of MLB star’s controversy from initial complaint to case withdrawal
It has been over a year since Wander Franco played his last MLB game. While the league has pushed forward, he has been stuck battling the legal system in the Dominican Republic.
The troubles started on July 10, 2023, when a complaint was filed that alleged Franco had sexual relations with a 14-year-old girl. The league and police then started to investigate the issue.
Nearly a month later, Franco was placed on the Tampa Bay Rays restricted list. A few days later, the league put him on indefinite administrative leave as investigations continued.
The investigation would continue until the following year in July when Franco was formally charged with sexual abuse of a minor. He was also hit with a human trafficking charge, which carries a maximum 20-year sentence.
Franco's trial was set to begin in August of this year, but it was pushed back to September 26. If convicted, he could face up to 20 years in prison.
Judge rules Wander Franco's case will go to trial
Wander Franco was set to stand trial in his sexual abuse case on Thursday. Judge Pascual Valenzuela determined that the accusations and evidence presented merited a warrant to stand trial.
The trial date has yet to have been announced, but this comes months after Franco's legal team settled with the minor's father. They settled in January for an undisclosed amount.
There are serious questions about whether Franco will ever suit up for the Rays or another team in the big leagues. The league has cracked down on situations like this in recent years. Trevor Bauer has been trying tirelessly to get back to the big league but to no avail.
Fans will have to wait and see what comes of Franco when the trial date is set.