Baseball player Wander Franco found guilty in sexual abuse case, imposed two-year suspended sentence – CNN

Report on Legal Proceedings Involving Baseball Player Wander Franco and Related Parties

Case Overview and Judicial Outcome

A court in Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic, found baseball player Wander Franco, affiliated with the Tampa Bay Rays, guilty of abuse and sexual exploitation of a minor. The court imposed a two-year prison sentence, which was suspended under the condition that Franco must not approach minors.

Judicial Conditions and Statements

Judge Jakaira Veras García, of the Collegiate Court of the Judicial District of Puerto Plata, stated the following during the sentencing hearing:

• Franco’s penalty suspension includes the restriction that he must not approach minors for sexual purposes.
• The judgment was delivered alongside judges Venecia Rojas and José Juan Jiménez.

Details of the Case and Sentencing

1. According to the court’s reasoning, Franco was subjected to blackmail and coercion by the minor’s mother to obtain money.
2. Franco’s defense requested acquittal from the beginning of the trial.
3. The minor’s mother was sentenced to 10 years in prison for sexual exploitation of minors.
4. Both Franco and the minor’s mother were fined approximately US $3,650 and US $11,050, respectively.
5. Both parties denied the charges against them.
6. The mother was also accused of money laundering and enrichment through illicit acts, resulting in a more severe sentence.

Reactions and Legal Proceedings

• Franco’s lawyer indicated plans to appeal the ruling after reviewing the written judgment.
• Franco showed emotional distress upon hearing the sentence and declined to comment to the press.
• Dominican General Attorney’s officer Luis Martinez declined to comment on the sentence.
• CNN is seeking further comment from the prosecutor’s office, which had requested a five-year prison sentence.

Major League Baseball’s Response

• Major League Baseball (MLB) acknowledged awareness of Franco’s verdict and stated it will complete its investigation at an appropriate time.
• MLB emphasized its commitment to addressing domestic violence, sexual assault, and child abuse through a collectively bargained Joint Policy.
• Franco has not participated in team activities since the allegations surfaced and was placed on administrative leave.
• The Tampa Bay Rays declined to make public statements regarding the case.

Emphasis on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

The case highlights the importance of protecting the mental and physical well-being of minors, aligning with SDG 3’s aim to ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all ages.

SDG 5: Gender Equality

Addressing sexual exploitation and abuse is critical to achieving SDG 5, which seeks to eliminate all forms of violence against women and girls, including sexual exploitation.

SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions

• The judicial process demonstrates the role of strong institutions in delivering justice and protecting vulnerable populations.
• The enforcement of laws against abuse and exploitation supports SDG 16’s goal to promote peaceful and inclusive societies and provide access to justice for all.

SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

Collaboration between legal authorities, sports organizations, and media reflects the importance of partnerships in addressing complex social issues, consistent with SDG 17.

Conclusion

The legal proceedings against Wander Franco and the minor’s mother underscore the critical need to combat sexual exploitation and abuse, reinforcing global commitments to the Sustainable Development Goals. Continued vigilance and cooperation among judicial systems, sports institutions, and civil society are essential to protect minors and uphold justice.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 5: Gender Equality – The article discusses sexual exploitation and abuse of a minor, highlighting issues related to gender-based violence and protection of vulnerable groups.
2. SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions – The judicial process, sentencing, and law enforcement actions in the article relate to promoting justice, rule of law, and reducing violence and exploitation.
3. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being – Indirectly connected through the protection of minors from abuse, which impacts mental and physical health and well-being.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs

1. SDG 5: Gender Equality
   • Target 5.2: Eliminate all forms of violence against all women and girls in public and private spheres, including trafficking and sexual and other types of exploitation.
2. SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
   • Target 16.3: Promote the rule of law at the national and international levels and ensure equal access to justice for all.
   • Target 16.2: End abuse, exploitation, trafficking and all forms of violence against and torture of children.
3. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
   • Target 3.4: Promote mental health and well-being (implied through protection from abuse and exploitation).

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. Indicator for SDG 5.2: Proportion of women and girls aged 15 years and older subjected to sexual violence by persons other than an intimate partner in the previous 12 months. The article implies monitoring cases of sexual exploitation and abuse of minors.
2. Indicators for SDG 16.3 and 16.2:
   • 16.3.1: Proportion of victims of violence in the previous 12 months who reported their victimization to competent authorities or other officially recognized conflict resolution mechanisms. The article discusses judicial sentencing and legal processes.
   • 16.2.2: Number of victims of human trafficking per 100,000 population, by sex, age and form of exploitation. The article mentions sexual exploitation of a minor and related crimes.
3. Indicator for SDG 3.4: Suicide mortality rate or prevalence of mental health disorders (implied). Protection from abuse contributes to mental health and well-being, though not directly measured in the article.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets and Indicators

Source: cnn.com