UPDATED 3/20/19 12:15 p.m. ET: According to a CNN source, Kraft will not accept the state's plea deal offer:
By rejecting the agreement it appears that the Patriots owner is invested in fighting the charges against him. This is solidified by Kraft and his lawyers filing a motion to keep the previously mentioned "graphic" video evidence from hitting the media. According to documents obtained by TMZ, Kraft's team is citing the fact that this is an open case, therefore releasing the material to the public would be a violation of his rights.
See original story below.
The Palm Beach County State Attorney's Office confirmed Tuesday that New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft is one of the 25 men who've been offered a plea deal after being accused of soliciting prostitution in a Florida massage parlor.
According to reports, Kraft and the other suspects were given the option to participate in a standard diversion program due to their status as first-time offenders. Per the Attorney Office's spokesperson Mike Edmondon, for this deal the men must plead guilty to their respective charges. After this, they will perform 100 hours of community service, attend a class on the dangers of prostitution, as well as pay a $5,000 fine for each count against them. Once completed, their misdemeanor charges will be dropped.
Since Kraft was indicted on two counts of soliciting prostitution, subjecting himself to the required tasks along with paying $10,000 would allow him to avoid a possible two year prison sentence. Despite the favorable offer, Edmondon says all of the men (including Kraft) have yet to respond to the deal.
This is the latest development in the scandal that came to light in late February. According to authorities, the Pats owner was one of nearly 50 men to have frequented Orchids of Asia Day Spa and Massage Parlor. This business was revealed to double as an escort service and police claim to have "graphic" video of Kraft soliciting sexual acts. In addition, it was disclosed that on the day of the Patriots' AFC Championship game against the Chiefs, Kraft made a pitstop at the Orchids of Asia before boarding a plane to Kansas City.
This evidence would incline Kraft to take the state's offer. However, neither the owner nor his attorney has spoken on this possible resolution.
