Sports

WATCH: Robert Kraft spotted leaving party in California amid solicitation charges

By Austin Bumpus

ORCHARD PARK, NY - OCTOBER 29: Owner Robert Kraft of the New England Patriots walks on the field before the game against the Buffalo Bills at New Era Field on October 29, 2018 in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Brett Carlsen/Getty Images)

By Austin Bumpus

As he prepares to battle charges for allegedly soliciting prostitution in Florida, Patriots owner Robert Kraft was spotted in California ahead of Sunday night's Oscars.

TMZ Sports released video of Kraft reportedly leaving Barry Diller's pre-Oscars party Saturday afternoon in Beverly Hills, not saying anything when asked about the accusations.

 

On Tuesday, police announced the arrest of two women on prostitution, racketeering and money laundering charges and said nearly 200 others would be arrested on solicitation charges.

Thursday, police in Vero Beach announced the arrest of eight other suspects linked to three massage parlors, plus nearly 200 men who solicited prostitution.

>>MORE: Robert Kraft charged with soliciting prostitution in Florida human trafficking bust

Police confirmed Friday that Kraft was involved in the bust.

Police say they have filed a complaint against Kraft and say that Kraft has been charged with soliciting another to commit prostitution. They also say he was caught on video evidence inside one of the spas, and investigators say the 77-year-old had a driver take him to the spa on two difference occasions last month.

"He was a regular at this spa," police said.

The spa is located about 20 miles north of a luxury home Kraft owns on the grounds of the exclusive Breakers Resort in Palm Beach.

>>RELATED: Robert Kraft's Palm Beach mansion lies minutes from shuttered spas

The charge is a misdemeanor and police say the state attorney in Palm Beach County is handling the case.

A spokesperson for Robert Kraft released the following statement:

"We categorically deny that Mr. Kraft engaged in any illegal activity. Because it is a judicial matter, we will not be commenting further."

The NFL released a statement on Robert Kraft Friday afternoon, saying "The NFL is aware of the ongoing law enforcement matter and will continue to monitor developments."

Kraft lives in Brookline, Mass. and also owns a home in Palm Beach, Florida.

Authorities have not yet disclosed the dates they say Kraft visited the spa, but they say they obtained a warrant to conduct surveillance during a five-day period that began on January 18, a timeframe that includes the two weeks leading up to the Super Bowl in Atlanta.

Kraft will have a warrant issued for his arrest on Monday., authorities say.

Cox Media Group

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