Leeds and Rangers co-owner Jed York jailed in Ohio after prostitution sting
Jed York, co-owner of Leeds United and Rangers FC, was convicted of disorderly conduct and possessing criminal tools in Ohio. The 49ers CEO pleaded no contest to two charges linked to a prostitution sting.
49ers chief convicted after Human Trafficking Task Force operation in Ohio
Jed York, co-owner of Leeds United and Rangers FC and chief executive of the San Francisco 49ers, has been jailed in Ohio following his arrest for soliciting prostitution, Google News IE — Crime (en) reports.
The 45-year-old pleaded no contest to two charges — disorderly conduct and possessing criminal tools — at an arraignment hearing at Columbiana County Municipal Court and was found guilty on both counts. Under Ohio law, a no contest plea means the defendant accepts a conviction without formally admitting guilt.
York was sentenced to one day in jail for each offence, to be served concurrently, and received credit for time already served. He was fined $150 for the disorderly conduct charge and $1,000 for possessing criminal tools.
Court records show the case was brought by East Palestine Police Department. An expungement request — which would have had the records sealed or destroyed — was filed and denied on the same day.
According to US media reports, court documents indicate York responded to an advertisement on a prostitution website that had been placed by undercover officers from a Human Trafficking Task Force in Ohio. Those documents state he arranged sexual activity with a woman in exchange for $140 (£103). In a plea deal, the original soliciting charge was reduced to disorderly conduct and possessing criminal tools, the latter thought to refer to the phone used to contact the undercover officers.
York became a co-owner of Rangers through 49ers Enterprises, the investment arm linked to the NFL franchise, in May 2025, when a consortium led by US businessman Andrew Cavenagh completed a takeover of the Scottish Premiership club after acquiring a controlling 51% stake. Cavenagh became Rangers chairman, with 49ers Enterprises taking a leading role in the ownership structure. York is not involved in the day-to-day running of the club.
49ers Enterprises first invested in Leeds United in 2018, when the Yorkshire club was in the Championship, and assumed full control in 2023 following Leeds' return to the Premier League after a 16-year absence.
Rangers and Leeds both declined to comment. The 49ers issued a brief statement: "As this is a legal matter, which has been resolved, we will not be providing any further comment at this time."
As an NFL owner, York is subject to league conduct rules. "We are aware of the matter which will be reviewed under the personal conduct policy," the NFL said.
Source: Google News IE — Crime (en)