Patriots Owner Bob Kraft Charged With Soliciting Prostitution

New England Patriots owner Bob Kraft was charged Friday on two counts of soliciting prostitution in connection to a recent law enforcement bust on massage parlors in Florida that, according to law enforcement, were used for prostitution and human trafficking.

Jupiter Police chief Daniel Kerr said Kraft was charged with two counts of soliciting prostitution, and that a warrant for his arrest is with the state’s attorney’s office and will be sent to Kraft’s home in Massachusetts. Kerr said there is video evidence of Kraft involved in sex acts in a massage parlor on two occasions. Twenty-five people total were charged with soliciting prostitution at the Orchids of Asia spa in Jupiter.

According to TCPalm.com, the investigation shut down spas that ran from Palm Beach County to Orange County. Of those 10, half were in Indian River County. Speaking about the cases out of Indian River, police said that the women lived at the spas and worked as prostitutes. From TCPalm’s report:

“[Vero Beach police chief David] Currey said many came from China on temporary work visas, indebted to the the brokers who helped them reach America, but believing legitimate jobs awaited them.

“Some of them are trying to make a better life for themselves,” he said. “These people truly are stuck.”

They were shamed, intimidated and taught not to speak to law enforcement or immigration officials.

Others answered what they thought were legitimate ads for masseuse jobs, but soon were pressured into doing more.”

 

In a statement issued to media outlets, a spokesman for Kraft said, “We categorically deny that Mr. Kraft engaged in any illegal activity. Because it is a judicial matter, we will not be commenting further.”

If convicted, Kraft could face a maximum of 120 days in county jail.