Robert Kraft charged with solicitation of prostitution

Robert Kraft
Photo credit Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

Patriots owner Robert Kraft has been charged on two counts of soliciting prostitution, according to Jupiter, Florida police chief Daniel Kerr.

Kraft, 77, was one of 25 people to be charged, according to the police. The investigation has been going on for months. 

Patriots owner Robert Kraft being charged with soliciting prostitution related to what FL police say is a massage parlor where women - who were told they were coming to US for legit jobs - were in fact held as virtual prisoners/sex workers.

— Chris Jansing (@ChrisJansing) February 22, 2019

Kraft denied the allegations through a statement later on Friday. 

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

Police say they have video of Kraft involved in acts with a prostitute. 

Martin County Sheriff says the women involved in human trafficking ring were given no days off. They averaged about 1,500 men a year. He says their hygiene was “minimal” at best @NBC10Boston

— Perry Russom NBC10 Boston (@PerryNBCBoston) February 22, 2019

ESPN's Adam Schefter says Kraft is not the biggest name involved. 

Kraft bought the New England Patriots in 1994 and has won six Super Bowls, including this year's 13-3 against the Rams in Atlanta. 

During Kraft's tenure as owner, the Patriots were involved in the Spygate scandal in the early 2000s, the Deflategate scandal in 2015, and the Aaron Hernandez murder conviction in 2013. 

Kraft is very close with Sixers' owner and Lower Merion native Michael Rubin, who has a strong personal relationship with Sixers' star Joel Embiid and Philly rap star Meek Mill. Kraft has been seen at multiple Sixers game recently, sitting court side with Rubin. 

Magic JohnsonBill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

Left to right: Magic Johnson, Allen Iverson, Robert Kraft, and Michael Rubin at Lakers vs. 76ers at the Wells Fargo Center on Sunday, February 10th, 2019. 

 

This is a developing story.