The State of Florida is seeking a felony charge based on video surveillance footage of the May 2019 incident.
The state of Florida is asserting that “Mr. Kraft’s guilt is a virtual certainty’’ solely based on the video footage obtained at the sting. Therefore, prosecutors are attempting to elevate the sex-related charges against Patriots owner, Robert Kraft, from misdemeanors to felonies for alleged prostitution, according to recent news reports.
A lower court ruled that the video footage and some additional evidence against Mr. Kraft were inadmissible. But the state is currently appealing that decision regarding the two misdemeanor counts of soliciting prostitution in 2019.
The Prostitution Sting
Bob Kraft was charged as part of an expansive sting operation on multiple Florida day spas. Law Enforcement alleged that these establishments were merely fronts for sex businesses. A Florida judge ruled police did not obtain a lawful ‘sneak-and-peak’ warrant for the spa’s surveillance cameras.
According to the state attorney general, Kraft could face a 3rd-degree felony charge, punishable by up to 5 years imprisonment, should the state win its appeal of the lower court’s decision. The State of Florida argues that the footage is “virtual certainty” of Bob Kraft’s guilt; therefore, their appeal has been taken to the 4th District Court of Appeal in West Palm Beach. Where a three-judge panel will make a final ruling.
“That the State here is seeking to criminally prosecute one of its citizens — using evidence obtained during a dragnet video surveillance scheme that breaks from Fourth Amendment constraints agreed on by other courts — hardly entitles it to special dispensation or sympathy.’’
-Kraft defense lawyers, Frank Shepherd and William Burck
Kraft was charged in February after two visits to the Orchids of Asia Day Spa in Jupiter, FL on Jan. 19 and 20, 2019 where the alleged acts occurred. Kraft was charged as part of undercover statewide investigations of 10 spas across Florida. In all, nearly 300 men were charged after the investigations.
Fighting Solicitation Charges
We understand how it may affect your life to be suspected of soliciting prostitution. As your defense attorneys, we will do our best to negate the evidence against you – including video footage. You need a seasoned defense attorney on your side; call Florida Board-Certified trial attorney Ben Stechschulte for a free case review.
