Billionaire owner of New England Patriots, Robert Kraft has been charged with solicitingΒ prostitution, police said Friday.
Kraft, 77, faces two misdemeanor counts of soliciting prostitution at Orchids of Asia Day Spa in a strip mall in Jupiter, Fla., which was among 10 locations shut down after a months-long investigation into alleged human trafficking.
The police chief of Jupiter, Florida, said, adding that there is video evidence.
βThe question was does the video contain Mr. Kraft inside receiving the alleged acts? The answer is yes,β Detective Andrew Sharp said at a news conference.
The incidents occurred over the course of two visits to the Orchids of Asia Day Spa, which took place approximately a month ago, police said.
βWeβre as equally stunned as everyone else,β police chief Daniel Kerr said.
A spokesperson for Robert Kraft however said,
βwe categorically deny that Mr. Kraft engaged in any illegal activity. Because it is a judicial matter, we will not be commenting further.β
Kraft is a major supporter of President Donald Trump, donating $1 million to his inauguration. Trump refers to Kraft as his friend, and the owner has been to the White House to celebrate his teamβs Super Bowl wins.
When asked about the charges on Friday, President Trump told pool reporters he was
βvery surprisedβ by them. βWell, thatβs very sad. I was very surprised to see it. Heβs proclaimed his innocence totally and but Iβm very surprised to see it,β Trump said.
