New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft has been in hot water as of late. Kraft is facing two misdemeanor charges of soliciting a prostitute as part of a large scale sex trafficking sting in the state of Florida. The alleged events took place in Jupiter, Florida at the Orchids of Asia Day Spa on the day prior to and of the AFC Championship Game.
At first, it was thought that the 77-year-old Kraft could face up to a year in prison. Now, there is a clearer consensus that he could receive a 60-day prison stint instead. He could still also face a $5,000 fine, have to complete 100 hours of community service, and have to take a class on the dangers of sex trafficking and prostitution.
There is no word yet on any possible punishments or fines the NFL could enforce on Kraft. Going off of previous owners, he could face something like a $500,000 fine and a six-game suspension at the least. Some sources are even saying that Kraft may be forced to sell the team due to this incident. The New England Revolution are also owned by Kraft, so he should be expecting some sort of fine or a punishment from the MLS in the near future.
Kraft and his legal team “categorically deny that Mr. Kraft engaged in any illegal activity” and Kraft is scheduled to appear in court on March 28.
Prosecutors in the case offered Kraft, and the other men involved, a plea deal that requires the men to plead guilty. The other stipulations of the deal would force the men to pay the $5,000 fine, taking a course about prostitution, and being tested for any sexually transmitted diseases. If they take the deal, they will not be prosecuted. Kraft has denied the plea deal and will appear in court on March 28. He has also taken actions to suppress the video of him at the day spa from being released if he doesn’t reach a deal with prosecutors.
The case is still developing, but as further details emerge, there will be a clearer sense of the future for the New England Patriots owner.
