San Francisco 49ers owner Jed York was arrested and charged with misdemeanor disorderly conduct and possessing criminal tools in East Palestine, Ohio, in connection with an undercover prostitution sting. The NFL has stated it is reviewing the matter under its personal conduct policy.
Authorities said York allegedly attempted to pay $140 for a sex worker. The charge of engaging in prostitution was later amended to disorderly conduct. He also pleaded no contest to possessing criminal tools, which reportedly referred to the cellphone used to arrange the encounter. A judge sentenced York to one day in jail on each count, served concurrently, and imposed a total fine of $1,150. He had previously posted $5,000 bond following his arrest.
The arrest occurred at the Wheat Hill Mobile Home Community in East Palestine. According to the community's police chief, Jed York happened to pull over at the location and was not using the park's addresses as part of the sting operation. The chief described the incident as a coincidence and expressed shock that the arrest occurred in their quiet community.
Wheat Hill Mobile Home Community is a 42-lot park located in East Palestine, a town with a population of approximately 4,600 people and a median household income below the national average. The community is described on its website as an "all-ages community" that is "clean, quiet, and affordable."
York, 42, became CEO of the 49ers in 2008 and later became the team's principal owner. His grandfather, Edward J. DeBartolo Sr., built the family's fortune in real estate development. The 49ers have won five Super Bowl championships, with their last victory in 1994.
York's arrest comes weeks before the start of the NFL season. The league has indicated it is investigating the incident.