Robert Kraft, Patriots Owner Who Visited Meek Mill When the Rapper was in Prison, Charged With Soliciting Prostitution

CBS News

Kraft was recently seen onstage dancing with Cardi B during a Super Bowl party.

Robert Kraft, the owner of the New England Patriots, is being charged with soliciting prostitution in Florida.

READ: New England Patriots Owner Robert Kraft Visited Meek Mill In Prison

In a report from ESPN, Kraft was videotaped twice paying for a sex act at an illicit massage parlor in Jupiter, Florida. Kraft was reportedly paying for sex inside the Orchids of Asia Day Spa, a strip-mall massage parlor. The 77-year-old, who denies any wrongdoing, hasn't been arrested but will be issued a warrant.

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."

As ESPN notes, the charge against Kraft comes as a widespread crackdown on sex trafficking throughout Florida, from Palm Beach to Orlando. Police said they secretly planted undercover cameras in targeted massage parlors and recorded the interactions between men and the female employees.

The NFL released a statement on the matter, saying: "The NFL is aware of the ongoing law enforcement matter and will continue to monitor developments."

Most people charged for the first time with soliciting prostitution in Florida are allowed to enter a diversion program. Kraft would have to complete 100 hours of community service and pay to attend an educational program about the negative effects of prostitution and human trafficking.

Kraft, who has owned the New England Patriots since 1994, called for the release of Meek Mill when the rapper was in prison in early 2018. Kraft also visited Mill in prison with Philadelphia 76ers co-owner Michael Rubin. Kraft said he had gotten to know the rapper through his friendship with Rubin, with the 76ers co-owner saying that Mill is "one of his closest friends."

"It makes it clear to me that we have to do something with criminal justice reform," Kraft previously said.

Source: ESPN