New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft, a longtime friend of President Trump, has been charged with two counts of soliciting prostitution at a Florida spa that is allegedly tied to an international human trafficking ring.
The 77-year-old was charged with paying for sexual services at the Orchids of Asia Day Spa in Jupiter, Florida on two occasions.
Two instances of Kraft having sex were caught on video, they said.
Kraft was one of 25 people facing charges in the incident.
“Our concern in this investigation centers around the possibility of victims of human trafficking,” said Jupiter Police Chief Daniel Kerr, adding that there was evidence of trafficking.
Kerr said a warrant for Kraft’s arrest will be issued.
“We’re as equally stunned as everybody else,” he said.
Kraft often visits Trump’s Mar-a-Lago resort in Palm Beach, Fla., which is approximately 20 miles from Jupiter.
Orchids of Asia Day Spa in Jupiter, Florida.
He has frequently praised Trump, saying the president helped him through his “toughest time,” the death of his wife Myra Kraft in 2011.
Through a spokesperson, Kraft has denied the allegations: ‘We categorically deny that Mr. Kraft engaged in any illegal activity. Because it is a judicial matter, we will not be commenting further.’
The spa was one of 10 that were reportedly shut down in Florida after a seven-month investigation found women in ‘sexual servitude,’ according to arrest records.
According to Martin County Sheriff Will Snyder, women were forced to live in the spa and were prevented from leaving.
Many of the women, Snyder explained, came from China.
The Patriots won the Super Bowl earlier this month in Atlanta.
Kraft is reportedly worth $6.6 billion, according to Forbes.com, and does own property in Palm Beach.
Social media was swift to react:
Robert Kraft:
– 2001 Super Bowl Ring
– 2003 Super Bowl Ring
– 2004 Super Bowl Ring
– 2014 Super Bowl Ring
– 2016 Super Bowl Ring
– 2018 Super Bowl Ring
– 2019 Prostitution Ring— Nick Jack Pappas (@Pappiness) February 22, 2019
“He has denied it,” Trump says of Robert Kraft. Always interesting, with Trump, or any politician for that matter, to see who gets the benefit of the doubt and who doesn’t.
— Josh Dawsey (@jdawsey1) February 22, 2019
I never thought the whole, “Which players/coaches/owners of championship teams will visit the White House?” thing was all that interesting.
But suddenly I’m quite interested in seeing whether Robert Kraft visits the White House.
— Michael David Smith (@MichaelDavSmith) February 22, 2019
Most Patriots seasons finish with happy endings too, so makes sense #RobertKraft
— BostonBloodSox (@BostonBloodSox) February 22, 2019
please DONT release the videos of Robert Kraft
— B (@bretucker_) February 22, 2019
If I heard this right, Trump’s friend Robert Kraft just got arrested for soliciting prostitution from trafficked sex workers. I’m sure POTUS will weigh in any minute now. ?
— JackiSchechner (@JackiSchechner) February 22, 2019
Robert Kraft walking into that massage parlor hoping for that happy ending. pic.twitter.com/OdYr2NyqNR
— Trash Talk NFL (@TrashTalkNFL) February 22, 2019
Robert Kraft oh the irony, busted for cheating on the field and off. will @MeekMill come to his defense? #prisonreform
— diz (@cdiz16) February 22, 2019
Me: “The Steelers organization is the most dysfunctional in the NFL”
Robert Kraft: “Hold my Johnson” pic.twitter.com/m0dHE1j7OG
— CleWest (@erjmanlasvegas) February 22, 2019
Robert Kraft did WHAT?!?!?? pic.twitter.com/9ULsJSNGWQ
— the nature boy (@whiteheyseuss) February 22, 2019
It’s a bold strategy cotton, let’s see if it pays off for him https://t.co/a4ZA9AJYne
— Someone’s An Idiot (@SomeonesAnIdiot) February 22, 2019
Bob Kraft pic.twitter.com/GXOfom0OVN
— Dan (@AtIantaDan) February 22, 2019
Robert Kraft leaving that club in Jupiter, Florida pic.twitter.com/aAQD2W60Nx
— Da Don (@Raphel__Dent) February 22, 2019
Robert Kraft still wants that Super Bowl Ring back from #Putin pic.twitter.com/4tL53wy2f2
— Bob Davidson (@oybay) February 22, 2019
#Patriots cheat any chance they can … #RobertKraft pic.twitter.com/NIxydlfb7J
— Eric Miller (@EJMiller707) February 22, 2019
Oh Robert Kraft….you guys just cant win a SB without doing something illegal. Paying for sex?
— Chuck Taylor (@Barrachuck) February 22, 2019
Karma can be a bitch…right ROBERT KRAFT.?
— Sally (@irisghgal) February 22, 2019
ANNOUNCER: Robert Kraft your team just won the Superbowl, what are you going to do now?
ROBERT KRAFT: I’m going to a MASSAGE parlor and pay for happy ending! pic.twitter.com/9bFffbtuYi
— Paul Lee Ticks (@PaulLeeTicks) February 22, 2019
6 super bowl rings, 1 sex trafficking ring. No wonder one for the thumb just wasn’t enough.
— Furrythug (@furrythug) February 22, 2019
Waiting for Trump to tell us how unfairly Robert Kraft is being treated. https://t.co/K4x2sUWZnM
— Adebobo (@Adebobo1) February 22, 2019
Robert Kraft AND Jeffrey Epstein, both trump pals trending in the news this week, for all the wrong reasons.
Never a good day to be a pedophile or solicitor of sex-trafficked prostitution.
Unless, of course, you’re sitting in the White House. pic.twitter.com/PYvCruXAZe
— BrooklynDad_Defiant! (@mmpadellan) February 22, 2019
Robert Kraft is, and always has been, the scum of the earth.
— Saman Djabbari (@samandjabbari) February 22, 2019
You know the Rule of Three?#RobertKraft #RKelly
Who could possibly be number three?
Hmmm …. pic.twitter.com/R8wiEhOL0k
— Adam VanHo ?? (@adamvanho) February 22, 2019