Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Wander Franco’s sex abuse trial was delayed due to the unavailability of 28 of the 31 witnesses expected to testify. The trial was rescheduled to start on June 2, 2025. Franco has been charged with sexually abusing a minor, sexual and commercial exploitation against a minor, and human trafficking.
The delay was requested by the prosecution following the absence of several key witnesses. Only three of the 31 witnesses arrived for the trial, which was initially set to begin on Thursday.
Franco’s lawyer, Teodosio Jáquez, argued that there is no case against his client and that he should be allowed to report to spring training in mid-February. However, the judge refused to reconsider the postponement, stating that Franco is obligated to continue with the trial schedule and his conditional release from detention.
Franco, 23, expressed his desire for justice and stated that “everything is in God’s hands.” When asked if his MLB career was over, he replied, “I did not have a career. This is not over.”
The trial is part of an ongoing investigation into alleged inappropriate relationships Franco had with minors. Franco was arrested in November and later released on the condition that he meet with local authorities once a month.
The investigation alleged that Franco had a relationship with a 15-year-old girl, which lasted four months, and that he paid her not to speak about it. Her mother also faces charges of money laundering based on gifts sent by Franco.
The case is still ongoing, with Franco’s next court date set for June 2, 2025.