Wander Franco, the suspended shortstop for the Tampa Bay Rays, was found guilty in a sexual abuse case involving a minor but received a two-year suspended sentence on Thursday. The charges stemmed from a reported relationship with a 14-year-old girl, lasting four months, during which he allegedly transferred large sums of money to her mother in exchange for consent to the relationship.

Franco, now 24, was also facing more serious charges including sexual and commercial exploitation of a minor and human trafficking. He was acquitted of those. Judge Jakayra Veras García delivered the ruling and addressed Franco directly, urging him to stay away from minors. “Look at us, Wander. Do not approach minors for sexual purposes. If you don’t like people very close to your age, you have to wait your time,” she said.

Prosecutors had pushed for a five-year prison sentence for Franco and ten years for the girl’s mother, who was found guilty and will serve the full sentence. In court, Veras criticized the mother’s motives, remarking, “Apparently she was the one who thought she was handling the bat in the big leagues,” referencing her financial demands from Franco.

Franco’s lawyer, Irina Ventura, announced plans to appeal, stating, “Evidently, justice was not done.” On the other side, prosecutor Luis Martínez expressed satisfaction with the outcome but did not confirm if the government would also appeal.

Before issuing the verdict, the judges reviewed extensive evidence, including testimony from 31 witnesses. Judge Veras emphasized the complexity of the case, noting, “The court has understood that this minor was manipulated.” Franco remained mostly expressionless throughout, occasionally leaning forward as the judge detailed the findings.

Once considered a rising star, Franco signed an 11-year, $182 million deal with the Rays in 2021. But his career came to a standstill in August 2023 when Dominican authorities launched an investigation. He was arrested in January 2024 and later placed on the MLB restricted list, which halted his pay due to an inability to report to the team without a new U.S. visa.

While out on conditional release, Franco was arrested again in November for allegedly getting involved in a fight over a woman. He was charged with illegally possessing a Glock 19, which police said belonged to his uncle. That case remains unresolved.

Following the ruling, Major League Baseball issued a brief statement, reaffirming its stance on its domestic violence and child abuse policy. “We are aware of today’s verdict in the Wander Franco trial and will conclude our investigation at the appropriate time,” the league said.