San Francisco 49ers owner Jed York filed for divorce from his wife of 15 years, Danielle York, three months before his arrest on suspicion of engaging in prostitution. The 49ers co-owner was arrested on Sunday in East Palestine, Ohio, and subsequently pleaded no contest to a disorderly conduct charge on Monday.
York, 46, was arrested at the Wheat Hill Mobile Home Community and booked into Columbiana County Jail, from which he was released later that afternoon on a $5,000 bond. According to court documents, York arranged to engage in sexual activity in exchange for $140 after responding to an undercover advertisement. He was taken into custody by law enforcement when they discovered his cellphone, which had been used to arrange the encounter.
Prosecutors amended the initial charge of engaging in prostitution to disorderly conduct. York also faced a charge of possessing criminal tools. He was sentenced to one day in jail for both offenses, concurrently, and credited with time served. He was also fined $1,150 and completed an online course.
The divorce filing, citing irreconcilable differences, was made in May. The couple, married in 2011, share two sons, Jaxon and Brixton, and have agreed to joint legal and physical custody. The status of a prenuptial agreement and the division of assets and property are reportedly still being determined.
The NFL has stated it is aware of the matter and will review it under the personal conduct policy. The 49ers organization has declined further comment, citing the legal matter's resolution.
York, whose legal name is John Edward York, is the son of Denise DeBartolo York and John York, who took control of the 49ers following the gambling fraud scandal involving Denise's brother, Eddie DeBartolo Jr. Jed York began working for his father in the early 2000s and became CEO in 2008. He became the principal owner in 2024 after acquiring his mother's stake. During his leadership, the 49ers have won five NFC West titles, reached seven NFC Championship Games, and appeared in three Super Bowls, though the team has not won the championship since 1994. He also oversaw the construction of Levi's Stadium and is a co-owner of Leeds United and Rangers.