What to Know
- Police in Jupiter, Florida announced solicitation charges against New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft last Friday.
- Authorities say the 77-year-old Brookline, Massachusetts, native was caught on video engaging in sex acts at an illicit massage parlor.
- The charges are connected to a wider prostitution and human trafficking investigation in Florida.
Embattled New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft has pleaded not guilty to two misdemeanor soliciting charges in Florida and is requesting a non-jury trial, according to court paperwork filed by his attorneys on Thursday.
Police in Jupiter, Florida, announced last week that the 77-year-old Brookline, Massachusetts, resident was caught on video allegedly engaging in sex acts in an illicit massage parlor with alleged ties to a human trafficking ring.
Affidavits released on Monday allege that Kraft visited the Orchids of Asia Day Spa twice on the weekend of the AFC championship game, including hours before the game's kickoff.
The documents described Kraft going to the illicit massage parlor during the afternoon on the Saturday before the conference title game and the morning of the game.
The case, which involves dozens of other alleged johns, has put a spotlight on the issue of human trafficking. Kraft is not accused of being involved in human trafficking.
Prosecutors have said he faces up to a year behind bars, but legal experts tell NBC10 Boston that it's unlikely he'll end up in jail. However, they did add he may face some other legal problems and issues regarding his legacy.
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The NFL said Monday that it will act based on the facts, which it was still gathering.
Kraft, who has not been arrested, has previously denied the charges. His first court date in relation to this case is March 27.
