Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Wander Franco was discovered responsible Thursday within the Dominican Republic of sexually abusing a minor, receiving a two-year suspended jail sentence. The 24-year-old former All-Star was initially arrested final yr after allegations emerged that he had an inappropriate relationship with a 14-year-old woman when he was 21.

Franco was additionally dealing with prices of sexual and industrial exploitation of a minor, in addition to human trafficking. Based on courtroom paperwork, Franco despatched hundreds of {dollars} to the woman’s mom, Martha Vanessa Chevalier Almonte, in change for consent to the connection. Chevalier Almonte was discovered responsible of sexually trafficking her daughter and sentenced to 10 years in jail.

Prosecutors had requested for a five-year sentence for Franco, however the courtroom as a substitute issued the suspended time period, that means he’ll keep away from jail time except he violates phrases of the sentence.

Franco final appeared in a Main League sport in August 2023 earlier than being positioned on administrative go away whereas MLB and Dominican authorities carried out investigations. He stays on MLB’s restricted record, and his conviction will possible make it extraordinarily troublesome for him to acquire a U.S. work visa sooner or later, casting severe doubt on any potential return to skilled baseball.

The Rays signed Franco to a landmark 11-year, $182 million contract in November 2021—a deal that might have reached $223 million with incentives. Over elements of three MLB seasons, Franco performed in 263 video games, posted a .282 batting common, hit 30 house runs, and drove in 130 runs whereas stealing 40 bases. He was named to his first All-Star Recreation in 2023 earlier than the allegations halted his profession.

The Tampa Bay Rays and Main League Baseball haven’t issued a press release following the courtroom ruling.