New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft, a beloved figure in the NFL community, has found himself in some of the hottest water imaginable. That feeling of winning Super Bowl LIII in Atlanta quickly vanished because the 77-year-old billionaire has just been named in a Florida prostitution sting.
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According to Jupiter Police Chief Daniel Kerr at a press conference on Friday morning, Kraft is being charged on two counts of soliciting another to commit prostitution, which is a misdemeanor. He is one of 25 men being charged in the bust at the Orchids of Asia Day Spa in Palm Beach County, Florida.
Police indicate Kraft was involved in two incidents in the last month and said there is video evidence of him paying for a sex act inside the massage parlor. Kraft has not been arrested, but an arrest warrant is being issued by the state's attorney office and likely will be sent to Kraft's home in Massachusetts.
List of those charges with solicitation of prostitution by @TownofJupiter. Robert Kraft on the list. @TCPalm pic.twitter.com/6eD0BJKLE0
— Leah Voss Peralta 🦩 (@LeahVossVisuals) February 22, 2019
According to TCPalm.com, the breaking news comes days after law enforcement officials in Martin and Indian River counties shared details of a months-long investigations into spas and paid sex. It is part of a larger crackdown of human trafficking and prostitution in the West Palm Beach area, where Kraft has a home. The Martin County Sheriff said approximately 100 men would be arrested, according to WPTV5.
In videos obtained by the Jupiter Police, officials say Kraft was driven to the spa and video shows him involved in a sex act.
Kraft was last seen publicly at the NBA All-Star Game in Charlotte, North Carolina last Sunday.
Just spoke with man outside of Kraft’s house. He said he will support Robert Kraft even if he is proven guilty. His next door neighbor says, “Robert Kraft isn’t a good man...he’s a great man.” @NBC10Boston
— Perry Russom (@perryrussom) February 22, 2019
"We categorically deny that Mr. Kraft engaged in any illegal activity. Because it is a judicial matter, we will not be commenting further."
— New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft's spokesperson, via Jill Martin
More details will emerge in the hours, days, and weeks ahead, but know this:
Mr. Robert Kraft — a man who many admire — is in serious trouble for his involvement in a massive prostitution sting in Florida.
