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Prosecutors drop sex charge against Patriots' Kraft


Field Level Media
24 Sep 2020

Florida prosecutors dropped charges of soliciting prostitution against New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft on Thursday due to the inability to use video showing him paying for a sexual act.

According to published reports, Palm Beach County court records show the charge was dropped.

Kraft, 79, was accused of paying for sex acts on back-to-back days in January of 2019 at Orchids of Asia Day Spa in Jupiter, Fla.

The Florida 4th District Court of Appeals ruled that Jupiter police violated the rights of Kraft -- and others also accused of similar crimes -- by installing video cameras inside the massage rooms.

The failure to be able to use the video was vital to show that Kraft allegedly paid money for the sex.

"Although there was probable cause to make an arrest, the evidence cannot prove all legally required elements of the crime alleged and is insufficient to support a criminal prosecution," according to a court filing made by the office of Palm Beach State Attorney Dave Aronberg.

Prosecutors decided earlier this week not to appeal to the Florida Supreme Court.

Kraft's attorneys have filed a motion asking that the recordings be destroyed to assure they don't get released to the public.

Jupiter police have said Kraft, then 77, was caught on surveillance video on both visits, Jan. 19 and Jan. 20 of 2019. They said Kraft was seen engaging in a sex act and paying for it.

Kraft apologized for his actions in March of 2019 and pleaded not guilty to the charges just days later.

The NFL previously said it would wait until the legal process is complete before deciding whether Kraft faces punishment by the league.

Kraft, a billionaire, also owns the New England Revolution of Major League Soccer.

--Field Level Media

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