Police bodycam footage has been released showing Rangers co-owner Jed York being arrested after he allegedly set up a £100 rendezvous with a sex worker at a trailer park. The 46-year-old 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.
Arrest Details and Court Documents
Court documents state the San Francisco 49ers owner, 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 in East Palestine. It's reported he responded to an advertisement from a known prostitution website in Columbiana County.
However, 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. In footage obtained by the California Post, an officer is seen approaching York's rental car in the East Palestine area.
Bodycam Footage and Arrest
The 49ers' primary owner is seen dressed in a Yankees T-shirt, basketball shorts, and tennis shoes, with his wallet taken from his hand after the officer opens his door. York is visibly shocked while being searched and willingly placed in handcuffs, reports the Mirror.
First he asks officers: "Can I ask what you're doing?" The officer then asked if York had agreed to meet anyone, to which he replied, "Just driving."
After York was placed in the police cruiser, his vehicle was searched, and several hundred dollars in $20 bills were found. "He's got a s--- ton of cash," the officer said.
"It's crazy the people that do this," another officer said in the clip posted by TMZ. "They could do whatever they want. They could do other things. They could go other ways. It's wild."
Charges and Plea Deal
According to the court records, York had "in his possession his cellular device which was used to arrange the criminal act." As reported by the New York Post, it is understood that is the reason he was also charged with "possessing criminal tools" as well as "engaging in prostitution".
The report states York contacted the undercover officer twice on Saturday but received no response. The undercover officer responded to a third message sent on Sunday and offered to meet that morning in East Palestine.
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.
Background and Reaction
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 about the overseas investment from the 49ers, York said at the time: "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 owners of the Niners since 2024 but has been the team's chief executive officer since 2008. He is originally from Youngstown, Ohio.
Coach Shanahan was asked about the arrest, but is confident it won't disrupt the team ahead of the 2026 NFL season.
"From a football standpoint, it has no effect on us," Shanahan said following a practice, after speaking with York. "It hasn't been mentioned in a meeting today.
"It doesn't have to do with what happens on the field. Everything outside of there, I think you guys can judge that better than me."
