San Francisco 49ers CEO Jed York was arrested on suspicion of engaging in prostitution at the Wheat Hill Mobile Home Community in East Palestine, Ohio, according to an affidavit reviewed by The Daily Mail. York, 46, was accused of arranging to exchange $140 for sexual activity with a woman in response to an undercover advertisement placed on a prostitution website by law enforcement.
The incident occurred on Sunday morning, and York was released after posting a $5,000 bond. Court documents indicate he was initially charged with engaging in prostitution, but prosecutors later amended the charge to disorderly conduct. He also faced a charge of possessing criminal tools. York pleaded no contest on Monday morning to both offenses and was sentenced to one day in jail, receiving credit for one day served. He was also fined $1,150 and completed an online course. His cellphone was returned, and $160 seized was given to the Mahoning Valley Human Trafficking Task Force as part of the plea agreement.
Wheat Hill Mobile Home Community, where the arrest took place, advertises itself as a 'clean, quiet, and affordable place to call home,' with $305-a-month leases. However, local residents have reportedly expressed concerns about law enforcement sting operations in the area, with some former residents describing instances of individuals fleeing authorities and worrying about children being exposed to predators. A post on the community's Facebook page, seemingly from management company CMC REI LLC, suggested that York's arrest at the park was coincidental and not part of a sting operation targeting the location.
Columbiana County, where East Palestine is located, has seen a significant number of arrests for buying sex compared to other areas in Ohio. Between 2019 and 2025, the county recorded 710 such arrests, far exceeding the next highest count in the state. In a separate case, a woman convicted of promoting prostitution told undercover police that women were reluctant to go to East Palestine due to its history of sting operations.
York, who is worth an estimated $500 million, is the son of Denise DeBartolo York and John York, who took control of the 49ers after former owner Eddie DeBartolo Jr. was convicted in a gambling fraud scandal. Jed York began working for the team in the early 2000s, became CEO in 2008, and became the principal owner in 2024. During his tenure, the 49ers have won five NFC West titles, appeared in seven NFC Championship Games, and reached three Super Bowls, though they have not won the championship since 1994. He also oversaw the construction of Levi's Stadium. York is also a co-owner of Premier League club Leeds United and Scottish club Rangers.
In May, York filed for divorce from his wife, Danielle, citing irreconcilable differences. The couple, married in 2011, have two sons and have agreed to joint legal and physical custody. The NFL stated it is aware of the matter and will review it under the personal conduct policy. The 49ers organization has indicated it will not provide further comment as the legal matter has been resolved.
