San Francisco 49ers principal owner Jed York was arrested over the weekend in East Palestine, Ohio, on suspicion of engaging in prostitution. The 46-year-old allegedly attempted to pay a woman $140 for sex after responding to an advertisement on a website associated with prostitution.
Agents from the Mahoning Valley Human Trafficking Task Force took York into custody. According to court documents, officers found York in possession of his cellular device, which had been used to arrange the alleged criminal act. He was booked into county jail on charges of engaging in prostitution and possessing criminal tools.
York's arrest follows a period of significant financial success for the 49ers. In May 2025, the team achieved a record valuation of more than $8.5 billion when York sold a 6% minority stake. This transaction allowed York to maintain control of the team while bolstering its market value.
Beyond his ownership of the 49ers, York, through 49ers Enterprises, also co-owns Leeds United in the English Premier League and Rangers F.C. in the Scottish Premiership. The York family has owned the 49ers since 1977, when Edward DeBartolo Sr. purchased the team. Under their stewardship, the franchise has won five Super Bowls.
York, who became the 49ers' principal owner in March 2024, entered a plea deal with prosecutors on Monday, resolving the legal matter. The 49ers organization issued a brief statement acknowledging the situation: "As this is a legal matter, which has been resolved, we will not be providing any further comment at this time."
The NFL is also reviewing York's conduct under its personal conduct policy, which applies to all league personnel. The league has the authority to impose additional discipline for his actions.