Prosecutors have said undercover footage of Robert Kraft in the Patriots owner’s solicitation case would be released, but a judge temporarily blocked it.
What to Know
- A judge has temporarily blocked the release of undercover video of New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft at a Florida day spa.
- Kraft's lawyers have argued that the release of video evidence capturing him paying for sex could "destroy" his chances at a fair trial.
- Kraft has pleaded not guilty to two misdemeanor counts of soliciting another for prostitution.
A judge has temporarily blocked the release of undercover video of New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft at a Florida day spa.
The judge presiding over the case in Palm Beach County said prosecutors could not release the undercover footage at least until a hearing is held, NBC affiliate WPTV in West Palm Beach reported. The judge's ruling could be appealed.
A hearing on the motion for the protective order filed by defense attorneys has been scheduled for April 29 at 1:30 p.m.
The Palm Beach County State Attorney's Office filed a notice Wednesday saying it believes the videos are public records under Florida law and it planned to release pixelated versions. Spokesman Mike Edmondson said the release was not imminent, as the office is processing numerous public records in the case.
Kraft's lawyers argued in court last week that the release of video evidence capturing him paying for sex at the Orchids of Asia Day Spa could "destroy" his chances at a fair trial.
"If the affidavit says what happened, what is the interest the public has in seeing it? It's basically pornography," Kraft attorney William Burck said Friday.
Kraft, 77, of Brookline, Massachusetts, was charged in February with two misdemeanor counts of soliciting prostitution for allegedly paying for sex at a Jupiter, Florida spa. He has pleaded not guilty.
Prosecutors say investigators caught Kraft engaging with an illicit sex act with alleged prostitutes on video at the Orchids of Asia Day Spa on two separate occasions, including once hours before this year's AFC Championship Game.
Kraft has denied engaging in criminal activity and has requested, in a separate motion, that the footage and related evidence be sealed pending further order of the court. His attorneys have also previously argued that the hidden cameras violated constitutional privacy protections.
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Several media outlets have intervened in the case, seeking to have the video released.
