Patriots owner Robert Kraft has been charged with soliciting prostitution as part of a wide-ranging probe into a Florida massage parlor targeted in a human trafficking investigation, police said Friday.
Kraft, 77, was one of 25 men charged after an investigation by police in Jupiter into the Orchids of Asia Day Spa. Jupiter police chief Daniel Kerr said at a news conference his department has video evidence of all the men charged Friday.
Watch: Police in Florida announce #Patriots owner Robert Kraft to be charged with soliciting a prostitute in Florida. https://t.co/hvYZYafqFN pic.twitter.com/Pvgoi5W78u
— WCVB-TV Boston (@WCVB) February 22, 2019
Law enforcement officials told reporters Kraft faces two misdemeanor charges, but they would not disclose what services he allegedly paid for. Detective Andrew Sharp said at the news conference that the rate at the spa was $59 for 30 minutes or $79 for an hour. He added that another person drove Kraft to the parlour.
A spokesperson for Kraft released a statement to media outlets disputing the charges: “We categorically deny that Mr. Kraft engaged in any illegal activity. Because it is a judicial matter, we will not be commenting further.”
An "active arrest warrant" has been issued for Kraft, according to Jupiter PD.
— Jim DeFede (@DeFede) February 22, 2019
Typically, a charge of soliciting results in a pre-trial diversion program where the defendant attends a class on the hazards of prostitution. After which the charge is usually dropped. @CBSMiami
Earlier this week, multiple employees of the spa were arrested and charged with a variety of crimes as part of an investigation into massage parlors across Florida.
TCPalm.com reported that affidavits filed in connection with the case show the investigation into the Jupiter parlor began in October.
Like all NFL team personnel, owners are subject to the league's personal conduct policy, so Kraft could face a fine or other penalties from the league in connection with the case.
