New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft was among a number of suspects facing charges as part of a prostitution and human trafficking investigation in Jupiter, Florida, police said Friday.
Kraft, 77, is being charged with two counts of soliciting prostitution, Jupiter Police Chief Daniel Kerr said at a news conference.
Kerr said the charges stem from two different visits Kraft allegedly made to a spa that was part of a months-long investigation into sex trafficking in the area. Kraft is not facing any sex trafficking charges.
According to police, Kraft was one of 25 suspects charged as part of the investigation into Orchids of Asia Day Spa. The owner of the spa is also facing charges.
Kraft was driven to the spa on both occasions and videotaped while there, investigators said.
"We're as equally stunned as everybody else," Kerr said about the charges against Kraft.
Kerr said an arrest warrant was expected to be issued. The charges are misdemeanors.
"We categorically deny that Mr. Kraft engaged in any illegal activity. Because it is a judicial matter, we will not be commenting further," a spokesperson for Kraft said in a statement.
Kraft is the founder, chairman and CEO of the Kraft Group, based in Foxborough, Mass. Kraft bought the Patriots in 1994 and has since won six Super Bowls, including Super Bowl LIII earlier this month.
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