- Franco faces 3 charges including human trafficking of a minor
- Prosecutors present documents and 7 witnesses for conviction
- Defense alleges evidence fraud, cites accuser's denial of relations
- Trial expected to last 8 months with 30-year maximum sentence
- MLB placed Franco on restricted list during investigations
The Dominican legal system opened proceedings Monday against Wander Franco, marking one of the most severe athlete prosecution cases in Caribbean sports history. Court documents reveal prosecutors plan to demonstrate a pattern of exploitation beginning in early 2023, when Franco allegedly initiated contact with the minor through social media platforms. Legal analysts note this case follows tightened regional enforcement of child protection laws after 2022 reforms.
Northern province courts have historically handed down strict sentences for trafficking offenses, with conviction rates climbing 17% since 2020 according to Justice Ministry reports. The prosecution's digital evidence reportedly includes financial transactions showing four payments exceeding $10,000 to the accuser's family – a critical detail defense attorneys claim lacks proper chain-of-custody documentation.
MLB Commissioner's Office faces renewed pressure to clarify its international player conduct policies. While the league suspended Franco indefinitely following August 2023 allegations, Dominican legal experts argue current protocols fail to address cultural complexities in player development regions. A 2023 study by Santo Domingo University revealed 68% of local sports agents lack formal training in minor protection laws.
The trial's outcome could reshape how Dominican Republic handles athlete misconduct cases, particularly following the 2021 precedent set by pitcher Juan Castillo's 15-year sentence for similar charges. Court observers note Franco's case differs through its transnational implications, with Tampa Bay Rays management required to provide employment records as evidence. Proceedings resume Thursday with witness testimonies that may clarify timeline discrepancies in the abuse allegations.