SANTO DOMINGO. – The Collegiate Court of Puerto Plata will announce this Monday at 2:30 in the afternoon the ruling in the judicial process against the Dominican baseball player Wander Franco, accused of alleged abuse and sexual exploitation of a minor.

The case, which has generated great attention both in the Dominican Republic and internationally, enters its decisive phase after concluding the presentation of evidence and the arguments of the parties involved.

The Public Ministry requested a five-year prison sentence against the player, alleging that it possesses sufficient evidence to support the accusations. Likewise, it requested that the sentence be served in a penitentiary center and highlighted the evidentiary elements presented also against the mother of the adolescent involved in the process.

The 25-year-old shortstop's defense maintains his stance of innocence and requested a full acquittal, arguing that there is not enough basis to establish criminal responsibility.

Franco's legal and professional future remains in limbo, pending the court's decision. The baseball player was under administrative leave from Major League Baseball since the accusations arose, despite having a millionaire contract in MLB.