Robert Kraft Prostitution Charges Dropped By Florida Prosecutors
BOSTON (CBS) – Florida prosecutors will not proceed with prostitution charges against Patriots owner Robert Kraft.
The misdemeanor charges against Kraft and 24 others were officially dropped on Thursday.
Florida prosecutors said Monday that they would not appeal a court ruling throwing out video recordings allegedly showing Kraft paying for massage parlor sex acts, setting up the likelihood that misdemeanor charges against him and other customers will be dropped.
Prosecutors decided that if they challenged last month's Florida 4th District Court of Appeal decision to the state Supreme Court and lost, it could have "broader, negative implications" on future law enforcement investigations, the Florida Attorney General's Office said.
Kraft previously pleaded not guilty to two charges of soliciting a prostitute in February 2019. He faced a year in jail and a $5,000 fine if convicted on both counts.
State Attorney Dave Aronberg said during a press conference his office was "ethically compelled" to drop the charges following the court's ruling on the videos.
"Although I disagree with the court's decision, I respect it," said Aronberg.
Felony charges are still pending against two people from Orchids of Asia, the spa where the videos were recorded.
Aronberg said it would be up to the court if the videos will be destroyed.