Leeds and Rangers co-owner jailed after prostitution arrest

What the report says

Jed York, who is co-owner of Leeds United and Rangers and also owns the NFL’s San Francisco 49ers, has been jailed in Ohio after an arrest linked to soliciting prostitution, BBC Sport Football reported. Court records cited by the broadcaster show York pleaded no contest to two charges at Columbiana County Municipal Court in Ohio and was convicted of disorderly conduct and possessing criminal tools.

According to the BBC, the case was filed by East Palestine Police Department and York was sentenced to one day in jail on each offence, to be served at the same time, with credit given for time already served. He was also fined $150 for disorderly conduct and $1,000 for possessing criminal tools. The article said a no contest plea means the defendant accepts a conviction without formally admitting guilt. An expungement request filed the same day was denied.

BBC Sport Football said other court documents reported by US media suggest the allegations arose from an undercover operation by a human trafficking task force in Ohio, involving an advertisement on a prostitution website and a planned payment of $140. Those details were not described as original reporting by the BBC. The matter is significant because York holds senior ownership roles connected to two major football clubs, although the article said he is not involved in Rangers’ day-to-day running and both clubs declined comment. The NFL said it would review the matter under its personal conduct policy.