His spokesperson "categorically denies that Mr. Kraft engaged in any illegal activity"
Friday 22 February 2019 23:35, UK
Police in Florida have charged New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft with misdemeanour solicitation of prostitution, saying they have a videotape of him paying for a sex act inside an illicit massage parlour.
In a statement, a spokesperson for Kraft said they "categorically deny that Mr. Kraft engaged in any illegal activity. Because it is a judicial matter, we will not be commenting further".
Jupiter police told reporters on Friday that the 77-year-old Kraft has not been arrested. A warrant will be issued and his attorneys will be notified.
The charge comes amid a widespread crackdown on sex trafficking in the area surrounding Palm Beach County. About 200 arrest warrants have been issued in recent days and more are expected.
Jupiter Police chief, Daniel Kerr, said in a statement: "He [Robert Kraft] is one of the individuals. He is being charged with the same offences as the others which is soliciting another to commit prostitution.
"Right now he faces two charges from two different visits [to the spa in question]."
A statement from the NFL said: "The NFL is aware of the ongoing law enforcement matter and will continue to monitor developments."
The Patriots won the Super Bowl earlier this month in Atlanta. The team did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Kraft's wealth was recently put at £5.06bn by Forbes, making him the 79th richest person in the US.
Reacting to the news, US President Donald Trump said: "Well, it's very sad. I was very surprised to see it. He's proclaimed his innocence totally, but I'm very surprised to see it."
