BOSTON (WEEI.com) -- New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft officially has been charged with first-degree solicitation of a prostitute in Florida, the Palm Beach State Attorney confirmed Monday.
“His attorney has been provided the summons,” Palm Beach County State’s Attorney David Aronberg said at a press conference.
Kraft is alleged to have visited Orchids of Asia Day Spa in Jupiter, Fla., on Jan. 19 and 20, when he paid cash and received a sex act. Jan. 20 was the day the Patriots played the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC championship in Kansas City.
Kraft flew from Los Angeles to Boston in a private plane early Monday morning with Patriots quarterback Tom Brady and Brady's wife, Gisele Bundchen, according to TMZ. Before leaving, Brady gave Kraft a hug on the tarmac.
Kraft apparently was in L.A. for some Oscars festivities; Brady and Bundchen spent the weekend there following a vacation to Costa Rica. Bundchen was honored Friday at the 2019 Hollywood for Science Gala, which benefited the UCLA Institute of the Environment and Sustainability.
The Patriots owner is scheduled to appear in court on April 24, although his lawyer can appear for him. There will likely be no mug shot, and Kraft is being treated as if he is a Florida resident, which is why he already has been issued a summons.
Because Kraft was charged with two counts of a first-degree misdemeanor, he faces up to a year in jail and a $1,000 fine for each count. A second-degree charge would have carried up to 60 days in jail and a $500 fine.
Aronberg noted it is “very unlikely” for first-time offenders to receive jail time and noted there are diversion programs available. Through a spokesman, Kraft has denied any illegal activity.
By Ryan Hannable