Wander Franco’s Trial Delayed for 6 Months | Locked On Rays
The trial for Wander Franco has been postponed until June 2, 2025. Reports are that the delay in the trial, stemming from his relationship with a minor, was the result of more than 30 witnesses not being present. Franco, 23, is facing charges of sexual abuse, sexual exploitation of a minor and human trafficking, with a maximum prison sentence of 20 years. The charges stem from a relationship with a then-14-year-old girl that started in December 2022, when Franco was 21.
The delay was requested by the prosecutors as several key witnesses were not present, and there was some question if they were properly summoned. ESPN reported that only three of the 36 who are scheduled to testify were in the courtroom on Thursday; the Associated Press said it was three of 31.
“Wander’s lawyer: “There is no case against Wander, for as many witnesses as they present, there is no case now.” Jaquez told other reporters he expects an acquittal. One of the prosecutors, meanwhile, said they felt they still had a strong case.Why would so many witnesses no-show? Let us know in the comments!
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5 comments
This guy should NEVER be allowed in America no less baseball.
This whole case has been shrouded in mystery since the beginning. Almost 1.5 years later and we still don't know what happened. The fact that the can is being kicked down the proverbial road even further definitely leads one to believe that the prosecution case is not very strong. Having said that, there is no reason to believe that there has ever been any inclination on the part of the Rays to reinstating him whatever the outcome.
Come on guys, so very often there are "witnesses" trying to jump on the bandwagon especially if it comes down vs. a celebrity. Maybe, just maybe most of them realized that when they lie in front of a judge their "15 minutes of fame" will cost them dearly.
I'm not saying Franco didn't have a relationship with a minor, I mean how should I know? And: I don't believe that either…
An interesting side fact is: in Germany (yes, not the USA, I know) a 14-year old is allowed to have a sexual relationship with a person up to the age of 21. But if one is 15 and the partner then is 22 it is illegal, outch. From 16 on anybody is legally to be with everybody, not even parents have a saying in that!
Meanwhile Springs gets traded for a box of cracker jacks certainly no offense
in Franco's defense he is innocent until proven guilty so the fact the most of the witness didn't show up favors him. maybe there is no case and all of this to hurt his career people will do anything for money. he just signed the largest contract in rays history people will do anything to jeopardize that. i don't think he's guilty and he has cooperated let the process play out. and hopefully this is just a bump in the road and he gets back to playing baseball.