Wander Franco's sex abuse trial postponed 5 months
Trial of 23-year-old Rays shortstop delayed due to absent key witnesses
The trial against Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Wander Franco, who has been charged with sexually abusing a minor, sexual and commercial exploitation against a minor, and human trafficking, was postponed on Thursday and scheduled to resume June 2, 2025.
Dominican judge Yacaira Veras postponed the hearing at the request of prosecutors because of the absence of several key witnesses in the case.
Franco's lawyers asked the court to reconsider the postponement, arguing Franco must report to spring training in mid-February.
The judge replied that Franco is obligated to continue with the trial schedule and his conditional release from
detainment.
Documents that prosecutors presented to the judge in July and were viewed by The Associated Press alleged that Franco, through his mother Yudelka Aybar, transferred 1 million pesos (about $17,000 US) to the mother of the minor on Jan. 5, 2023, to consent to the abuse. The mother of the minor has been charged with money laundering and is under house arrest.
Prosecutors say the minor's mother went from being a bank employee to leading an ostentatious life and acquiring assets using the funds she received from Franco. During raids on the house of the minor's mother, prosecutors say they found $68,500 US and $35,000 US that they allege was delivered by Franco.
