Robert Kraft Allegedly Visited Florida Spa Hours Before AFC Title Game
BOSTON (CBS) – Documents released Monday reveal details from the Florida prostitution bust that led to charges against New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft. Police allege that Kraft received sex acts at a massage parlor on consecutive days in January, once only hours before the Patriots played in the AFC Championship Game.
Authorities announced on Monday that charges have officially been filed against Kraft and others accused in the Jupiter, Florida bust. The Palm Beach state attorney's office announced the update during a press conference. If convicted of both charges, Kraft could face one year in jail, a $5,000 fine and a required human trafficking course.
Police in Jupiter said Kraft was involved in two incidents at the Orchids of Asia Day Spa and there is video evidence of both showing him in the act. Kraft is one of 25 people charged by Jupiter Police in this specific bust.
According to a police affidavit, officers began surveillance at the spa, which is in a strip mall, on November 6, 2018. They later found three women who were allegedly forced to live there, working in deplorable conditions.
Police video surveillance of the spa took place between January 18 and 22, according to the affidavit.
According to court documents, Kraft visited Orchids of Asia on Saturday, Jan. 19, and the morning of Sunday, Jan. 20. The Patriots defeated the Chiefs in the AFC Championship Game that Sunday, and Kraft was in attendance at Arrowhead Stadium.
At about 4:45 p.m. on January 19, police say Kraft entered the business and paid in cash at the front desk. Surveillance cameras were rolling as Kraft allegedly undressed, and met with two women in the massage room.
In that room, Kraft is accused of engaging in sex acts. Court documents allege he handed both women cash before leaving.
At about 5:45 p.m., after Kraft allegedly left the business, police followed the Bentley he was a passenger in.
"The front seat passenger was positively identified by his Massachusetts driver's license as Robert Kraft," court documents say.
WATCH: State Attorney On Kraft Case
The next day just before 11 a.m., police say Kraft entered the front door and again paid cash. After being escorted to a massage room, Kraft hugged one of the women, undressed and laid down on the table.
Police allege that after the sex acts were performed, Kraft gave the woman a $100 bill and at least one other unidentifiable bill. He left the business about 15 minutes after arriving.
Kraft has been classified as a resident of Palm Beach County because he has a home there. As a result, he will be mailed a summons to court.
A court appearance for Kraft has been set for April 24. He does not need to appear and a lawyer could represent him. Kraft has hired Florida defense attorney Jack Goldberger to handle the case.
"These cases aren't about any one defendant or any group of defendants, the larger picture in which we must all confront is the cold reality that many prostitutes in cases like this are themselves victims, often lured into this country with promises of a better life only to be forced to live and work in a sweat shop or a brothel, performing sex acts for strangers," said State Attorney Dave Aronberg.
The incidents are part of a larger crackdown on human trafficking and prostitution at at least eight spas in the West Palm Beach area. About 200 arrest warrants have been issued in the overall investigation.
"We categorically deny that Mr. Kraft engaged in any illegal activity. Because it is a judicial matter, we will not be commenting further," a spokesperson for Kraft said in a statement Friday afternoon after the charges were announced.
A report surfaced Friday that Kraft was not to the most prominent name that would come out of the bust. On Monday, Aronberg said he did not believe that to be the case.
"I was asked earlier today about rumors about 'bigger fish' and I said that that would be news to me. And I also added that it's hard for me to talk about rumors especially false ones," he said.
Kraft was spotted at a pre-Oscars party in Beverly Hills Saturday, but he did not speak to the media. On Monday, TMZ spotted Kraft and Tom Brady arriving back in Massachusetts on a private plane.
The Patriots owner could face discipline from the NFL under the league's personal conduct policy.
"Our Personal Conduct Policy applies equally to everyone in the NFL. We will handle this allegation in the same way we would handle any issue under the Policy. We are seeking a full understanding of the facts, while ensuring that we do not interfere with an ongoing law enforcement investigation. We will take appropriate action as warranted based on the facts," the league said in a new statement Monday morning.
