PUERTO PLATA, Dominican Republic — An appeals court in the Dominican Republic on Tuesday ordered a new trial for Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Wander Franco, who was convicted earlier this year of sexually abusing a minor and had received a two-year suspended sentence.

Tuesday’s ruling comes after Franco’s attorneys had pushed to have his conviction suspended and sentencing overturned, while prosecutors had been seeking a five-year sentence.

The appeals court ruled in favor of Franco, ordering that a new panel of judges oversee the case.

Wander Franco gestures during his trial in Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic on June 26, 2025. AFP via Getty Images

“The court understood that there were many flaws, many omissions…many issues, and decided to send the case to a new trial,” said Teodosio J

See Full Page