Jed York Jailed for Soliciting Prostitution in Ohio

Jed York, the high-profile co-owner of Leeds United and Rangers and principal owner of the San Francisco 49ers, has been jailed in Ohio after being arrested for soliciting prostitution.

The 46-year-old NFL powerbroker was convicted of disorderly conduct and possessing criminal tools, having entered a no contest plea to two charges. Under Ohio law, that plea accepts conviction without a formal admission of guilt, but carries the same legal weight as a guilty verdict.

York received a one-day jail sentence on each count, to be served at the same time, and was given credit for time already served in custody.

Sting operation in Ohio

Court records from Columbiana County Municipal Court show the case originated with the East Palestine Police Department and was formally filed on Monday. York appeared at an arraignment hearing, where he pleaded no contest to both charges and was subsequently found guilty.

US media reports, citing additional court documents, say York responded to an advert on a prostitution website that had been posted by undercover officers from an Ohio Human Trafficking Task Force. Those documents state he arranged to engage in sexual activity with a woman in exchange for $140 (£103).

The original solicitation charge did not stand. As part of a plea deal, it was reduced to disorderly conduct and possessing criminal tools — understood to refer to the phone used to respond to the online advert.

On the same day as the conviction, an expungement request was filed and denied, according to court records. Such a request would have sought to have the case records destroyed or sealed from public access.

Silence from Leeds and Rangers

York’s case lands at a sensitive time for his football interests. Through 49ers Enterprises, the investment arm linked to the San Francisco 49ers where he serves as chief executive and principal owner, he became a co-owner of Rangers as part of a US-led takeover.

In May 2025, a consortium headed by US businessman Andrew Cavenagh and 49ers Enterprises completed a deal to acquire a controlling 51% stake in the Scottish Premiership club. The 49ers group has also been central to the ownership structure at Leeds United.

Despite York’s profile across the NFL and European football, both Rangers and Leeds have declined to comment on the conviction.

The 49ers organisation also drew a line around the matter, saying: “As this is a legal matter, which has been resolved, we will not be providing any further comment at this time.”

While the 49ers were part of the US consortium that took control of Rangers last year, York is not involved in the day-to-day running of the Glasgow club. Yet the impact of a criminal conviction on one of the most prominent figures linking the NFL and European football will now hang over the boardrooms on both sides of the Atlantic.