Puerto Tra Plata, Dominican Republic (AP) — Lawyers representing Tampa Bay Rays player Franco announced on Monday that they intend to seek a court ruling to clear their client of all sexual abuse allegations involving a 14-year-old girl at the time of the alleged offense.
Franco, indicted in July 2024, could face a maximum of 30 years in prison if found guilty during supervised release.
“He did not engage in the actions he is being accused of,” attorney Theodocio Jaques told The Associated Press after the fourth hearing at the University Court in Puerto Plata, a tourist location in the northern Dominican Republic, where the girl resides.
“Their role is to condemn him, but all they must do is substantiate that,” Jaquez stated regarding the witness testimony provided by the prosecution.
Prosecutors assert that witness accounts are crucial to establish that Franco sexually abused a minor and financially compensated her mother for permission.
“Each expert witness’s testimony was vital today. They not only confirmed the facts of child sexual abuse but also highlighted commercial sexual exploitation and money laundering,” remarked prosecutor Claudio Coldero.
Documents presented to a judge last year and obtained by the Associated Press reportedly show that around January 5, 2023, Yudelka Eibar, the minor’s mother, received 1 million pesos ($17,000) from Franco to allegedly consent to the abuse.
The minor’s mother has been charged with money laundering and is currently under house arrest.
Franco faces multiple charges, including sexual and commercial exploitation of minors, as well as human trafficking.
Additionally, he was charged with illegal possession of a handgun this past Sunday, according to prosecutors.
Franco was arrested on November 10th in San Juan de La Maguana following an altercation in a parking lot. The Dominican prosecutor’s office stated that no injuries were reported during the incident, and a semi-automatic Glock 19 was found in Franco’s vehicle.
Franco’s attorney asserts that the player possessed no weapons.
“He is a public figure, and some media outlets seem to be attempting to harm the young man,” Jaques added.
Franco, who celebrated his 24th birthday on March 1st, was in his third season in Major League Baseball before his career was interrupted in August 2023. He signed an 11-year, $182 million contract in November 2021 and is presently on Major League Baseball’s restricted list.
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Source: apnews.com