Robert Kraft and other defendants who were charged as part of a prostitution sting in Florida were offered a deal this week that would allow them to avoid being prosecuted, but the New England Patriots owner is reportedly not planning to accept it.
According to Andrew Beaton of The Wall Street Journal, prosecutors offered to drop the charges against Kraft and the other defendants in the case if they admit guilt and meet some other conditions. A source told CNN on Wednesday that Kraft is not taking the deal.
A source familiar with the case tells CNN’s @jasoncarrollcnn & Kevin Conlon that New England @Patriots owner Robert Kraft will not accept the plea deal offered by Florida prosecutors in the Orchids of Asia day spa case.
— Jake Tapper (@jaketapper) March 20, 2019
Kraft has already pleaded not guilty to two charges of solicitation of prostitution. An admission of guilt would almost certainly result in the NFL taking disciplinary action against the 77-year-old, but that seems likely to happen regardless of how the case turns out.
While Kraft’s reputation has already taken a hit, his arrest came as part of an investigation into sex trafficking. All indications at this point have been that he had nothing to do with that aspect of the case, so he may feel his powerful legal team can fight the charges and win. Prosecutors say they have strong video evidence that will be difficult to dispute, but Kraft’s lawyers will likely look to exploit any loophole or procedural error they can in an attempt to have the charges thrown out.
