Context:

Wander Franco, a professional baseball player, is facing serious legal charges in the Dominican Republic, including sexual abuse of a minor, commercial sexual exploitation, money laundering, and human trafficking. His attorney, Teodosio Jáquez, plans to request the court to exonerate Franco, arguing that the prosecution has failed to prove the accusations. The prosecution, however, has presented evidence, including testimonies and financial transactions, that they claim substantiate Franco's involvement in the alleged crimes. Additionally, Franco has been charged with illegal possession of a firearm following an altercation in a parking lot. Despite these allegations, Franco's attorney suggests that media coverage has been unfairly detrimental to Franco's reputation due to his celebrity status.

Dive Deeper:

• Wander Franco, a Tampa Bay Rays shortstop, is accused of sexually abusing a 14-year-old girl, with charges dating back to July 2024. If convicted, Franco could face up to 30 years in prison. His attorney asserts that the accusations are false and that the prosecution's witnesses have not conclusively proved the charges.

• Prosecutors claim that Franco paid the minor's mother for her consent, presenting evidence of a 1 million peso transaction facilitated by Franco's mother. This financial exchange is a central piece of evidence for the prosecution, supporting charges of commercial sexual exploitation and money laundering.

• The prosecution has also charged Franco with human trafficking and illegal possession of a firearm. The latter charge stems from an incident where Franco was involved in a parking lot altercation, during which a semiautomatic Glock 19 was found in his vehicle.

• Franco's legal troubles have halted his promising baseball career; he was placed on Major League Baseball’s restricted list following administrative leave. His career, which saw him sign an 11-year contract worth $182 million in 2021, is now uncertain amid these allegations.

• Franco's attorney argues that his client is a victim of sensationalist media coverage that seeks to tarnish his image, emphasizing Franco's celebrity status as a factor in how the case is portrayed publicly.