Patriots Owner Robert Kraft to Be Charged in Prostitution, Sex Trafficking Sting at Florida Spa

It appears that New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft could be penalized for illegal contact. The billionaire boss of Tom Brady and Bill Belichick is one of 25 people slated to be charged with solicitation crimes after a sting at multiple day spas across central Florida, according to local media reports.

Kraft, 77, who has a secondary residence in Palm Beach, Florida, was informed by a letter sent to his primary home in Massachusetts that the Palm Beach County DA intended to charge him with two misdemeanor counts of soliciting prostitution as the result of a raid of 10 spas across the state, including one he allegedly visited in Jupiter, Florida. The multi-months investigation also unearthed alleged human trafficking, with women working in “sexual servitude,” according to arrest records.

A spokesman for the NFL owner said Kraft denied the charges.

“We categorically deny that Mr. Kraft engaged in any illegal activity,” the spokesman said. “Because it is a judicial matter, we will not be commenting further”

The league, which could discipline Kraft if the charges are valid, said they would deal with it at the appropriate time.

“The NFL is aware of the ongoing law enforcement matter and will continue to monitor developments,” a statement said.

Not-So-Happy Ending

According to Jupiter police chief Daniel Kerr, Kraft was caught on video in unspecified sex acts on two separate occasions. He was apparently driven to the Orchids of Asia Spa.

Jupiter police detective Andrew Sharp told local media the fee for 30 minutes was $59 dollars, or $79 for an hour. He did not specify what Kraft paid for their services.

Orchids of Asia was one of 10 spas police shut down, and Vero Beach police chief David Currey said the women working were victims of exploitation. Many had come from China on temporary work visas believing legitimate jobs were waiting for them.

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

Influential NFL Owner

Kraft is considered one of the most powerful owners in the league. He has owned the Patriots since 1994, buying the franchise for $172 million. The team is now worth an estimated $3.9 billion, the third highest-valued team in sports.

“I told my wife [Myra, who died in 2011] I would pay $115 million and maybe go to $120 million, and I paid [$172 million], the highest price ever paid for any franchise [at the time],” Kraft said. “She went bonkers. It worked out. Life is about following your dreams and your passions.”

He is often outspoken on issues regarding the NFL, and was one of the first to endorse the Raiders moving to Las Vegas. There were many, including commissioner Roger Goodell, who thought having a team in a town with legalized gambling was a mistake, but Kraft didn’t see an issue.

“I’m looking where we are today and thinking of the last 10 to 15 years, and the emergence of new media. We’re just living in a different world, technology wise. The risks in Vegas are no longer exclusive to Vegas,” Kraft said at the time.

Architect of a Dynasty?

Though Kraft has taken no credit for his team’s success, he was the one responsible for bringing in Belichick, who is widely recognized as one of the greatest coaches of all time.

The Patriots recently won their sixth Super Bowl, defeating the Los Angeles Rams, 13-3. Kraft told the New York Post that he realizes people resent their success.

“For us to get to the point in less than two decades where people are rooting against us because we’ve won, that’s a high-class problem, and I hope we keep it going for quite awhile,” Kraft said. “I’m actually honored by it.”