Wander Franco's Abuse Trial Delayed to September 26

PUERTO PLATA, Dominican Republic (AP) — The trial of Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Wander Franco, facing charges of sexually abusing a minor, has been postponed until September 26. The delay was ordered by a court in Puerto Plata after Franco's defense team was not informed about audiovisual evidence intended for a scheduled hearing. The 23-year-old athlete is accused of sexually abusing a 14-year-old girl, with prosecutors filing charges in January following a judge's directive for an investigation. Franco attended the hearing accompanied by his lawyer and family but refrained from making any statements to the media. Allegations presented in court documents indicate that Franco, through his mother, Yudelka Aybar, transferred approximately one million pesos (around $17,000) to the minor's mother on January 5, 2023. Franco was conditionally released on the same day, just four days after his arrest, while the mother of the alleged victim remains under house arrest. The charges against Franco include sexual and commercial exploitation of a minor, sexual abuse, and human trafficking. His career has been significantly impacted since the allegations surfaced, as he was in the midst of his third major league season when he was placed on the restricted list in August 2023. Franco had previously signed a lucrative 11-year, $182 million contract with the Rays in November 2021, but his pay has been halted during his administrative leave.