Rangers co-owner Jed York is reported to have contacted a fake sex ad several times using an alias in a desperate bid to meet up with a prostitute, according to new police documents obtained by the California Post.
The San Francisco 49ers owner pleaded no contest to a pair of misdemeanour charges on Monday after being arrested over the alleged prostitution offence in the state of Ohio on Sunday, around 9.35am local time.
Undercover sting details
York first tried to arrange sex through the undercover ad on Saturday, a Mahoning Valley Human Trafficking Task Force report stated. He was told he would be charged $160 – and offered unprotected sex cost for $20 more.
“York messaged the female and advised that his name was Joe and that he would like to visit the female,” detectives wrote in the document.
The 46-year-old, who shared two sons with his wife of over a decade, allegedly reached out again later that day, reports the New York Post. He “advised that he was just checking in, and was seeing if the female was available,” the report stated.
Arrest and plea deal
The messages went unanswered by the undercover agent involved in the sting, but York reportedly reached out again at 9:11am on Sunday "asking if the female was free, and that he would love to come see her," the report stated.
York allegedly said he was travelling from Boardman, Ohio - around half an hour away - and asked the woman to "shoot him an address". He then enquired how much the female charged for one hour, according to the report.
He “was advised that full service sexual activity was $160.00, with unprotected sex being $20 more,” officials wrote in the report. "York advised that the $160.00 worked for him, and he was on his way.”
York was then given a meeting location address at an East Palestine trailer park with “a fictitious lot number,” according to the report. York was stopped by marked units when he arrived and arrested at 9:35am, the report stated.
York had $160.00 on him, which was seized, officials said. “A test text message to York’s iPhone revealed that it was the one used to arrange the criminal activity. York was driving an AVIS rental car at the time of the arrest.”
York, who was initially released on $5,000 (£3,667) bond, cut a plea deal on Monday. He pled no contest to a lesser charge of disorderly conduct, downgraded from engaging in prostitution, and to one count of possessing criminal tools.
The billionaire was ordered to pay $1,150 (£843) in fines and sentenced to one day in jail - which he was given credit for time served. His lawyer noted York had also completed an online course.
Background and reaction
The incident came roughly four months after York filed for divorce from his wife, Danielle Belluomini.
York took over the Ibrox side last summer alongside fellow American businessman and entrepreneur Andrew Cavenagh, who is now Rangers chairman.
In February, York opened up on his Ibrox experience in a rare interview following the American takeover. The 49ers CEO and principal owner lifted the lid on his "special experience" with the Light Blues having taken in a clash with Celtic last season and admitted he was enjoying seeing Rangers attempt to "get back" to glory.
Speaking to talkSPORT, York said: "We own Leeds United, and we are big investors in Rangers. I get over to the UK a lot for games. There is nothing like Elland Road or going to see a Rangers match.
"I was at my first Old Firm match earlier this season for a draw, and it was truly a special experience. Watching Rangers get back up, trying to fight, compete, and hold their own has been special. We are hoping for a lot more success."
York has been the majority owner of the Niners since 2024 but has been the team's chief executive officer since 2008. He is originally from Youngstown, Ohio.
A San Francisco 49ers spokesperson said: "As this is a legal matter, which has been resolved, we will not be providing any further comment at this time."
The NFL told New York Times it is investigating the situation through its personal conduct policy.
Rangers FC, the NFL, and East Palestine Police Department have been contacted for comment.
