New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft is being charged with misdemeanor solicitation of prostitution after police said Friday that he was twice videotaped paying for and receiving sex at an illicit massage parlor.
Police in Jupiter, Florida, told reporters Friday that the 77-year-old Kraft hasn’t been arrested. A warrant will be issued, and his attorneys will be notified.
The charge comes amid a widespread crackdown on sex trafficking in the area surrounding Palm Beach County. About 200 arrest warrants have been issued in recent days, and more are expected. Police said they planted undercover cameras in targeted massage parlors and videotaped the interactions between men and the female employees.
In a statement, a spokesperson for Kraft said they “categorically deny that Mr. Kraft engaged in any illegal activity. Because it is a judicial matter, we will not be commenting further.”
The Patriots won the Super Bowl earlier this month in Atlanta. Kraft also owns Major League Soccer’s New England Revolution.
Jupiter Police Chief Daniel Kerr said he was shocked to learn Kraft was paying for sex inside a strip mall massage parlor.
Kraft’s wife, Myra Hiatt, died in 2011. He has been dating 39-year-old actress Ricki Noel Lander since 2012.
The NFL did not immediately respond to a message Friday seeking comment.
Owners are subject to the NFL’s personal conduct policy, and owners and league employees are held to an even higher standard than players.
Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay was suspended six games in 2014 after he was arrested on drug charges. He was also fined $500,000.
Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.