San Francisco 49ers owner and CEO Jed York was arrested in East Palestine, Ohio, on August 23 on suspicion of engaging in prostitution. The incident came to light after bodycam footage of the arrest was obtained and released.
According to court documents, York, 46, arranged to meet a woman for sexual activity in exchange for $140. He responded to an advertisement placed on a known prostitution website by law enforcement. When York arrived at the designated location, a sting operation was in effect, leading to his apprehension.
The released footage shows officers confronting York, who was reportedly wearing a wedding ring at the time. When asked what he was doing in the trailer park, York stated he was "just driving." He also denied meeting anyone.
Officers placed York in handcuffs and placed him in the back of a police vehicle. During a search of his rental car, approximately $160 in cash was found and seized. Officers also retrieved two phones from the vehicle. One phone displayed an image of his two sons as its background.
York was initially charged with engaging in prostitution. Prosecutors later amended the charge to disorderly conduct, and he was also charged with possessing criminal tools. He pleaded no contest and was sentenced to one day in jail, credited as served, and fined $1,150. Records indicate he also completed an online course as part of his plea agreement.
The NFL issued a statement acknowledging awareness of the matter, stating it would be reviewed under the league's personal conduct policy. The 49ers organization declined to comment, citing the legal matter's resolution.
York, who is reportedly worth $500 million, co-owns Premier League club Leeds United and Scottish club Rangers. He is the son of Denise DeBartolo York and John York, who took control of the 49ers during a period of legal issues for his uncle, Eddie DeBartolo Jr. Jed York began working for his father in the early 2000s and became CEO in 2008. He acquired principal ownership in 2024.