SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic — An appeals court in the Dominican Republic has revoked a judicial pardon previously granted to Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Wander Franco, who was convicted of sexual and psychological abuse of a minor. This decision was made on Thursday following a request from prosecutors.
The Dominican Public Prosecutor’s Office contended that the original pardon issued by a lower court was based on a misinterpretation of legal provisions meant for exceptional circumstances. Prosecutors maintained that the conditions of Franco’s case did not warrant such leniency.
Franco’s conviction, which raised significant public outrage, involved allegations of inappropriate conduct with a minor. The court’s recent ruling reflects the ongoing scrutiny of the case and the legal standards applicable to it.
There were no immediate statements from Franco or his legal team regarding the revocation of the pardon. The ruling is likely to influence the ongoing legal proceedings as authorities continue to address the serious allegations against him.
Next steps in the legal process remain uncertain, but the case is expected to draw further attention as it unfolds in the Dominican legal system.
