New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft is being charged in Palm Beach County after being caught in a sex sting, according to police. Jupiter police said Friday he’s being charged with the solicitation of a prostitute, CBS Miami reported.
It stems from a months-long investigation into the Orchids of Asia Day Spa in Jupiter, where two women were arrested earlier this week, according to police. The spa was among 10 shut down in Orlando, Palm Beach County and the Treasure Coast after a several-month investigation revealed women there were in “sexual servitude,” according to arrest records.
“We’re as equally stunned as anyone else,” Jupiter Police Chief Daniel Kerr said during a Friday morning news conference. Police also confirmed they have video evidence capturing the sex act.
Kraft’s name is on a list of 25 people who will face charges in connection to a crackdown on human trafficking and spa sex acts. He is facing two counts, meaning police have evidence of him inside the spa on two separate occasions, CBS Miami reported.
Police said Kraft was driven to the spa by a chauffeur. The average cost per visit for services is $59 or $79 per hour, according to police.
Kraft will be charged with a misdemeanor and will have to appear in court. Police said Kraft will receive a notice in the mail if he lives in Palm Beach County. Outside the county, Kraft would receive a warrant for his arrest.
“We categorically deny that Mr. Kraft engaged in any illegal activity,” a spokesperson for Kraft said Friday in a statement. “Because it is a judicial matter, we will not be commenting further.”
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.
