Wander Franco's Trial Delayed Until June Due to Missing Witnesses

The Tampa Bay Rays shortstop faces charges of sexual abuse, exploitation, and trafficking, with a potential 20-year prison sentence if convicted.

The trial, initially scheduled for December 12, 2024, was postponed to June 2, 2025, after only 3 of 36 scheduled witnesses appeared in court.
Prosecutors cited the absence of key witnesses, including medical and psychological experts, as the reason for the delay.
Franco, 23, is accused of engaging in a relationship with a then-14-year-old girl, with allegations of payments made to the minor's mother to consent to the abuse.
In addition to the sexual abuse charges, Franco is also facing a separate case involving illegal possession of a firearm in the Dominican Republic.
Major League Baseball has placed Franco on its restricted list since July 2024, halting his pay, and continues its own investigation into the allegations.