Photo: Nancy Lane/Digital First Media/Boston Herald via Getty
Robert Kraft, owner of the six-time Super Bowl champion New England Patriots, was charged with two counts of soliciting prostitution in connection with a human trafficking sting tied to a chain of Florida massage parlors — and recent reports suggest that the billionaire sports owner may not be the most recognizable person involved in the investigation.
According to ESPN’sAdam Schefter, there allegedly remains at least one other person associated with the prostitution ring that is more prominent than 77-year-old Kraft.
“I’m also told that Robert Kraft is not the biggest name involved down there in South Florida,” Schefter said while appearing on the news station, according toUSA Today.
At a Friday press conference, Jupiter Police Chief Daniel Kerr was asked if there were any other individuals — more prominent than Kraft — among those who have been charged so far, and said no. However, Kerr said the investigation into the alleged human trafficking is ongoing and that more arrests are possible.
Kraft — the 419th richest person in the world,with a reported net worth of $4.36 billion— has owned the Patriots for more than two decades, employs arguably the greatest quarterback in history inTom Bradyandregularly socializes with celebrities such as Meek Mill, so one may be hard pressed to find someone with as prominent a name as him.
Robert Kraft.Paul Bereswill/Getty
The allegations against Kraft stem from two separate visits in January to the Orchids of Asia Day Spa, which has been identified as part of an alleged human trafficking and prostitution network, reports thePalm Beach Post.
“We are as deeply stunned as anyone else,” he said when asked to comment on Kraft’s involvement, according to the outlet.
A spokesman for Kraft tells PEOPLE: “We categorically deny that Mr. Kraft engaged in any illegal activity. Because it is a judicial matter, we will not be commenting further.”
The NFL released a statement to PEOPLE reading: “The NFL is aware of the ongoing law enforcement matter and will continue to monitor developments.”
The decision whether to proceed with the prosecution of Kraft and the other men rests with the Palm Beach County State Attorney’s Office. If pursued, the solicitation charge would be a second-degree misdemeanor for a first offense, with a jail term of up 60 days; a second offense is first-degree misdemeanor, with a penalty of up to one year in prison, according to Florida statutes.
“Our concern in this investigation centers around victims of human trafficking,” Kerr said, adding that the investigation is ongoing.
Earlier this month the Patriots under Kraft’s ownership celebrated theirsixth Super Bowl victory over the Los Angeles Rams.
source: people.com
