Overview
- Franco’s earlier conviction for sexually abusing a minor and his two-year suspended sentence will be reexamined by a different panel of judges, with no retrial date announced.
- His attorney said the ruling reflects numerous omissions in the first case, while the Puerto Plata prosecutor expressed confidence the evidence will yield the same outcome.
- Prosecutors alleged a four-month relationship with a 14-year-old and presented roughly 600 pages of evidence that included payments and a car for the girl’s mother, who received a 10-year sentence.
- The Rays placed Franco on the restricted list in July 2024 after an extended administrative leave, ending his pay and service time, and MLB plans to conduct its own review once the criminal process concludes.
- Franco last appeared in an MLB game on Aug. 12, 2023, and he also faces a separate legal case stemming from a gun-related arrest reported in November 2024.