New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft has reportedly hired two high-priced lawyers to help defend him against solicitation of prostitution charges.
According to the New York Times, Kraft has hired attorneys William A. Burck and Jack Goldberger. Burck served as a lawyer in the George W. Bush White House, and Goldberger defended New York financier Jeffrey Epstein against charges that he sexually abused dozens of underage girls.
Neither lawyer returned calls from the Times seeking comment.
Kraft was among hundreds of men charged last month in a crackdown on massage parlor prostitution and an investigation into human trafficking at Florida spas. He has pleaded not guilty to two counts of misdemeanor solicitation of prostitution.
He is scheduled to be arraigned on March 27, during the annual NFL meetings, which he is expected to attend. It's unlikely that he will appear in person for his Florida court date, as an attorney can attend on his behalf.
The 77-year-old was allegedly caught on videotape engaging in sex acts at an illicit massage parlor. According to court documents, prosecutors allege that Kraft sought out sex acts with a prostitute at the Orchids of Asia Day Spa twice on the weekend of the AFC Championship Game.
He has not been arrested in connection with the allegations and has denied the charges.
U.S. & World
Although prosecutors said he faces up to a year in jail, legal experts tell NBC10 Boston that Kraft is unlikely to land behind bars, but may face some other legal problems and issues regarding his legacy.
