Overview

• Franco’s trial on sexual abuse, exploitation and human trafficking began June 2 in Santo Domingo over allegations involving a 14-year-old girl.
• On June 8 Dominican authorities charged the 24-year-old with illegal possession of a semiautomatic Glock 19 seized after a November parking-lot dispute.
• Defense lawyer Antonio Garcia Lorenzo contends the handgun was lawfully registered to Franco’s uncle and its possession did not breach local statutes.
• If convicted on the sex abuse charges Franco faces up to 30 years in prison and a separate firearms trial could increase his total exposure.
• MLB has kept Franco on its restricted list without pay since August 2023 and a conviction could void his 11-year, $182 million contract.