Rangers co-owner Jed York pleaded no contest to a pair of misdemeanour charges on Monday after being arrested over an alleged prostitution offence in Ohio. Court documents report York used his mobile phone to arrange a $140 (£102) rendezvous with a sex worker at a trailer park in East Palestine.
Arrest and charges
York was arrested on Sunday around 9.35am local time on suspicion of engaging in prostitution. The charge was later downgraded. According to court documents, York, whose family is worth an estimated £6.4billion, "arranged to have sexual activity with the female in exchange for $140 (£102)" in a trailer park.
It is reported he responded to an advertisement from a known prostitution website in Columbiana County. While en route to the meeting, he was taken into custody in a sting operation by an agent from the Mahoning Valley Human Trafficking Task Force.
Plea deal and sentence
Court records state York had "in his possession his cellular device which was used to arrange the criminal act." As reported by the New York Post, this is understood to be the reason he was also charged with "possessing criminal tools" as well as "engaging in prostitution."
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 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, for which he was given credit for time served. His lawyer noted York had also completed an online course.
Background and response
York took over the Ibrox side last summer alongside fellow American businessman Andrew Cavenagh, who is now Rangers chairman. In February, York spoke to talkSPORT about the overseas investment from the 49ers, saying: "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."
He added: "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." Rangers FC, the NFL, and East Palestine Police Department have been contacted for comment.
