Robert Kraft, New England Patriots Owner, Being Charged In Jupiter, Florida Prostitution Bust
JUPITER, Florida (CBS) – Robert Kraft, owner of the New England Patriots, will be charged in a prostitution bust in Jupiter, Florida. Kraft, who denies doing anything illegal, was allegedly caught in the act on video, according to police.
The stunning announcement came late Friday morning at a police news conference.
Read More: President Trump, Governor Baker React To Charges Facing Kraft
Police said Kraft was involved in two incidents in the last month at the Orchids of Asia Day Spa in Jupiter and there is video evidence of both showing the Patriots owner in the act. Kraft is one of 25 people who will be charged by Jupiter Police in this specific bust.
"It appears when you go to the spa for a half hour the fee would be $59, for an hour that would be $79," the lead detective on the case, Andrew Sharp, said at the news conference. He could not say how long Kraft was allegedly there or what he paid. Kraft was driven to the spa each time, police said, adding that the driver is not being charged.
Watch: Neighbors Stand By Robert Kraft
"The video that we obtained, it shows the act that took place," Sharp said. When asked specifically - does the video contain Kraft inside the spa receiving the alleged act, Sharp said, "The answer to that is yes."
The incidents are part of a larger crackdown on human trafficking and prostitution at at least eight spas in the West Palm Beach area. Kraft faces two misdemeanor charges of soliciting another for prostitution. Police said they are in the process of issuing a warrant in the case.
Once the warrant is issued, Kraft will get a summons in the mail ordering him to turn himself in. He is not expected to be arrested. Kraft's lawyers will likely contact the county attorney and make arrangements for Kraft to come to court in Florida and turn himself in, according to WBZ-TV's Cheryl Fiandaca.
Read More: What's Next For Robert Kraft's Legal Battle
Kraft, who has a home on Palm Beach, could face up to a year in jail, probation or fines. He could also face discipline from the NFL under the league's personal conduct policy.
"The NFL is aware of the ongoing law enforcement matter and will continue to monitor developments," the league said in a statement.
"We categorically deny that Mr. Kraft engaged in any illegal activity. Because it is a judicial matter, we will not be commenting further," a spokesperson for Kraft said in a statement to CNN Friday afternoon.
According to the police affidavit, officers began surveillance at the spa, which is in a strip mall in Jupiter, on November 6, 2018. They later found three women who were allegedly forced to live there, working in deplorable conditions. Police video surveillance of the spa took place between January 18 and 22, according to the affidavit. It appears that Kraft may have allegedly visited the spa during that period. Kraft was in Kansas City the night of January 20 when the Patriots beat the Chiefs in the AFC Championship.
Watch: Jupiter Police Chief Daniel Kerr Announced Charges Against Robert Kraft
According to a local news website, News Chief, Kraft was in Palm Beach for a fundraiser for the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute last Saturday. He then went to Charlotte, North Carolina Sunday to attend the NBA All-Star Game.
Kraft, 77, has owned the Patriots for 25 years. The Patriots have won six Super Bowls during that time, most recently Super Bowl LIII earlier this month in Atlanta.
He has four sons. His wife Myra died in 2011.
