Patriots owner Robert Kraft could be charged as early as today in sex solicitation case

25 FEB 19 10:42 ET

By Chuck Johnston and Joe Sterling, CNN

(CNN) — New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft could be charged as early as Monday with soliciting prostitution, according to the State Attorney’s Office in Palm Beach County, Florida.

The 77-year-old billionaire is among more than 100 people linked to several central Florida day spas and massage parlors suspected of being used for prostitution and targeted by law enforcement during a monthslong investigation into sex trafficking.

Kraft visited the Orchids of Asia Day Spa in Jupiter, Florida, twice, police said. Video footage shows him receiving “paid acts” in a room at the spa and surveillance video shows him being driven to the spa, Jupiter Police Chief Daniel Kerr said Friday.

Kraft faces two counts of soliciting someone to commit prostitution. Mike Edmondson, State Attorney’s spokesman, said the charges are second-degree misdemeanors and generally carry no more than a 60-day sentence in county jail.

CNN affiliate WBZ reported that a summons will be sent to Kraft “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,” WBZ’s Cheryl Fiandaca said.

A spokesperson for Kraft has denied that he committed a crime.

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

CNN legal analyst Paul Callan said the solicitation charge often carries another punishment as well.

“They also have an interesting provision in Florida law that you have to complete 100 hours of community service and attend a prostitution and human trafficking awareness course,” said Callan.

CNN on Monday obtained a new statement from the NFL regarding Kraft and the league’s personal conduct policy. “Our Personal Conduct Policy applies equally to everyone in the NFL,” the statement said.

“We will handle this allegation in the same way we would handle any issue under the Policy. We are seeking a full understanding of the facts, while ensuring that we do not interfere with an ongoing law enforcement investigation. We will take appropriate action as warranted based on the facts.”