Charlotte attorneys share legal insight following news of NFL owner being charged

CHARLOTTE, NC (WBTV) - It didn’t take long for people around the world to learn that New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft is facing charges stemming from a prostitution bust in Jupiter, Florida.

Police made the announcement during a press conference Friday. Kraft is facing two misdemeanor charges of soliciting another to commit prostitution.

A spokesperson for Kraft has already released a statement saying they “categorically deny that Mr. Kraft engaged in any illegal activity.” However, police said during Friday’s press conference that they have video evidence showing Kraft participating in sex acts.

WBTV spoke to Charlotte defense attorney Aaron Lee for insight as to how Kraft may be innocent of the crime.

“He could have gone and got an hour-long massage, paid for that whether 75 dollars or whatever it was, and during the course of that massage they could have hit it off and engaged in a consensual sexual act," explained Lee.

Mark Jetton, another criminal defense attorney in Charlotte, questions why there is video of the alleged sex act to begin with.

"I’m a little troubled if there’s a video in the room in the act because it seems like there would be some privacy rights that come into play if that’s the case,” said Jetton in a phone interview Friday.

Lee noted that any audio in the video will be key evidence in the case.

“I think audio is going to be huge because it would be so damning if in fact he does audibly request a sexual act for money. His case would essentially fall apart as far as legal defense,” explained Lee.

Lee said that while it appears Kraft can avoid jail time because he’s only facing misdemeanor charges, the Patriots owner will still take a big hit in the court of public opinion.

“Regardless of whether he’s found not guilty, charges dropped, completely innocent of any wrongdoing, the court of public opinion is not going to care. His reputation, whatever it may have been, is certainly tarnished,” said Lee.

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