What to Know
- Robert Kraft, owner of the New England Patriots, is facing two charges of soliciting a prostitute in Jupiter, Florida.
- He is one of 25 people being charged in a prostitution sting centering on the Orchids of Asia Day Spa in Jupiter.
- A spokesman for Kraft said, "We categorically deny that Mr. Kraft engaged in any illegal activity," adding that they won't comment further.
New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft is just one of the hundreds of people accused of soliciting prostitutes in Florida this week.
The 77-year-old NFL owner is being charged with two counts of soliciting another to commit prostitution based on two separate visits to the Orchid of Asia Day Spa. The charges are misdemeanors.
Police said details about the charges against Kraft will not be released until next week.
Florida authorities launched a widespread human trafficking bust throughout the state with a coordinated take-down happening on Tuesday.
"As of this morning, we have issued 171 arrest warrants," said Indian River County Sheriff Deryl Loar.
Multiple law enforcement agencies raided several spa locations including Orchid of Asia Day Spa, arresting the ring leaders accused of orchestrating the illegal businesses and seizing large amounts of cash.
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Police said some of the victims were recruited from overseas believing they were coming for legitimate jobs.
"(They) did not have the ability to flee. Did not have the ability to communicate," said Loar.
Seven days per week police said the victims performed sex acts in exchange for money... some victims averaging eight clients per day.
Police said in the past few days dozens of accused "Johns" have been arrested and more than 200 warrants have been issued.
"These johns either knowingly or not knowingly were supplying the funds to perpetuate human trafficking and sex trafficking," said Loar.
