Patriots owner faces solicitation charges

New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft faces two counts of solicitation of prostitution in Florida.

Kraft is one of 25 individuals facing similar charges in connection with an investigation into a Florida spa allegedly tied to an international human-trafficking ring.

Kraft, 77, is alleged to have paid for sex at Orchids of Asia Day Spa in Jupiter, Fla., one of 10 outlets in the region shut down after a long investigation showed the women in the spas were sex servants, according to authorities. Kraft visited the spa on two occasions, according to law enforcement.

He hasn’t been arrested on the charges, both classified as misdemeanours. NFL Network reported that an arrest warrant will be issued on Monday with the possibility of Kraft facing 60 days in jail.

Kraft, who also owns the New England Revolution MLS franchise, denied the accusations on Friday afternoon.

“We categorically deny that Mr. Kraft engaged in any illegal activity,” a spokesman for Kraft said in a statement. “Because it’s a judicial matter, we will not be commenting further.”

Kraft could face discipline under the league’s personal conduct policy, which applies to team owners and prohibits “conduct detrimental to the integrity” of the NFL.

In a statement, NFL spokesman Brian McCarthy said: “The NFL is aware of the ongoing law enforcement matter and will continue to monitor developments.”

Authorities at a news conference on Friday said much of their evidence comes from cameras worn on officers’ uniforms and from surveillance conducted via hidden cameras inside the day spa. The cameras allegedly captured sex acts being committed inside the spa, some involving Kraft.

Kraft is worth US$6.6 billion, according to Forbes magazine.