More details continue to pour in about the “engaging in prostitution” arrest charges and subsequent conviction on lesser charges of San Francisco 49ers majority owner Jed York.
York was arrested in his native Ohio on Sunday on one charge of “engaging in prostitution” and another charge of “possessing criminal tools.” And while the more salacious charge was downgraded to “disorderly conduct” in a plea deal with the prosecutor, it is that initial charge on which York was arrested and arraigned that sticks in the minds fans, media, everybody.
It’s the embarrassing charge that raises eyebrows because York is reportedly worth $500 million and the family fortune is believed to hover around $8.5 billion, but he allegedly tried to enlist the services of a prostitute for $140.
Did we tell you that York’s legal team immediately filed a motion to seal court records?
The motion was denied.
And so here comes the details not in the original OutKick story that have since come to light via reporting:
York responded to an advertisement on Sunday from what police say is a known prostitution website in Columbiana County, Ohio. He allegedly “arranged to have sexual activity with a female in exchange for $140,” per police.
The meeting with the prostitute was supposed to happen near the Wheat Hill Mobile Home Community – a trailer park in East Palestine, Ohio.
In fact, York had fallen for a police sting by the Mahoning Valley Human Trafficking Task Force and the NFL owner was intercepted by officers when he approached the trailer park.
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York was taken into custody by the East Palestine police.
The mobile home park, by the way, claims it is a victim of circumstances. It’s Facebook account posted that Park addresses were not being used in the sting operation, but rather that’s where cops happened to catch up to York.
“This news of this arrest in our quiet community is just as shocking to us as to the rest of you,” the post reads.
York was taken into custody when he was found in possession of the cell phone that was used to set up the alleged rendezvous with the person he allegedly believed to be a hooker.
The phone in York’s possession “was used to arrange the criminal act,” according to court records and that is the reason he was also charged with “possessing criminal tools.”
York pleaded no contest to the misdemeanor plea deal charges of disorderly conduct and possessing criminal tools, per court records.
The NFL previously told OutKick that this matter will be reviewed by the league under the Personal Conduct Policy.
In 2014, the NFL updated its conduct policy and specifically warned those beyond the field that it applies to them.
“It is a privilege to be part of the National Football League,” the policy states. “Everyone who is part of the league must refrain from conduct detrimental to the integrity of and public confidence in the NFL. This includes owners, coaches, players, other team employees, game officials, and employees of the league office, NFL Films, NFL Network or any other NFL business.”
The policy also leaves little room to question whether York will simply walk away from this incident without a penalty from the league.
“If you are convicted of a crime or subject to a disposition of a criminal proceeding, you are subject to discipline,” the policy states. “But even if your conduct does not result in a criminal conviction, if the league finds that you have engaged in conduct [prohibited by the policy], you will be subject to discipline.”
York got arrested. He pleaded no contest on two criminal charges. And he has brought negative attention to the NFL.
The 49ers on Monday declined to comment on the York arrest and plea deal, citing the episode is closed.
But this won’t be over until the NFL rules.
And it represents an ongoing set of curious events involving this club.
Coach Kyle Shanahan on July 14 was involved in a head-on crash in Palo Alto, California, when he admittedly dropped his phone, and took his eyes off the road and hands off the wheel of his Tesla.
Shanahan said he had the vehicle’s autopilot engaged but hit an oncoming car head on. He was eventually found at fault in the accident. Both the coach and the driver of the other car suffered injuries.
Receiver Brandon Aiyuk was issued a Santa Clara County arrest warrant on a misdemeanor charge of exhibition of speed in June after he posted video of himself driving more than 100 mph near Levi’s Stadium on a road with a 40-mph limit.
As was noted on social media about the team’s set of misdemeanor charges recently:
York 2.
Aiyuk 1.
