Arrest and charges
San Francisco 49ers owner Jed York pleaded no contest Monday to two misdemeanor charges stemming from his arrest over the weekend in East Palestine, Ohio. Court records show York, 45, entered the plea to charges of disorderly conduct and possessing criminal tools. He was initially arrested on a charge of engaging in prostitution, which was later amended to disorderly conduct as part of the plea agreement.
York was arrested Sunday by the Mahoning Valley Human Trafficking Task Force, a regional unit with support from the Ohio attorney general’s office. He was released on $5,000 bond and appeared in court Monday morning.
Details of the arrest
According to a police report from the task force, York used the alias “Joe” when responding to an advertisement placed on a known prostitution website. He sent two text messages to the woman he believed to be a prostitute, saying he wanted to visit her. The messages went unanswered.
The report, which had portions redacted, indicates York was arrested at a mobile home park in East Palestine, Ohio, where he had driven after making arrangements. The park’s management said York pulled into the community when he was arrested, though it was not clear that he had intended to meet anyone at the park itself.
Court records show York was sentenced to two days in jail, to be served concurrently, and was credited for the time he had already served. He was also ordered to pay a $160 fine and to complete an online course. The fine was directed to the Mahoning Valley Human Trafficking Task Force.
York’s role with the 49ers
York has been the CEO of the 49ers since 2008 and became the team’s principal owner in 2024. He is also an owner of several other teams, including Leeds United and Rangers in the UK, according to reports. The 49ers have not publicly commented on the matter.
Reaction from the community
The arrest took place at the Wheat Hill Mobile Home Community in East Palestine, a town of roughly 4,600 people that gained national attention in 2023 after a Norfolk Southern train derailment. The community’s manager said York was not planning to be there, but pulled into the park when arrested. The East Palestine police chief was quoted as saying the location was coincidental.
Background
York, 45, is a native of Youngstown, Ohio, about 20 miles from East Palestine. He has been the CEO of the 49ers since 2008 and became the team’s principal owner in 2024. He also has ownership stakes in Leeds United and Rangers football clubs.