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Patriots owner Kraft charged with soliciting prostitution

MediaNews Group/Boston Herald via Getty Images / Digital First Media / Getty

New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft is being charged with two counts of soliciting prostitution in Florida, Jupiter police chief Daniel Kerr confirmed in a news conference Friday.

Kraft is one of 25 men being charged with solicitation, according to WPTV, and police say they have video evidence concerning all 25.

"We're as deeply stunned as anyone else," Kerr said of Kraft's involvement.

The charges come as part of an eight-month investigation into human trafficking at Florida day spas.

Kraft's camp denied the allegations through a spokesperson.

"We categorically deny that Mr. Kraft engaged in any illegal activity," read a statement released to reporters, including Tom Winter of NBC News. "Because it is a judicial matter, we will not be commenting further."

Kraft attended a fundraiser in Florida on Saturday, according to Jenna West of Sports Illustrated.

The 77-year-old has owned the Patriots since 1994. The franchise has won six championships since, including Super Bowl LIII in February.

Team owners are subject to the NFL's personal conduct policy, which states: "Ownership and club or league management have traditionally been held to a higher standard and will be subject to more significant discipline when violations ... occur."

Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay was suspended for six games and fined $500,000 in 2014 after pleading guilty to a misdemeanor count of driving while intoxicated.

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