Leeds and Rangers co-owner jailed after prostitution arrest

Leeds and Rangers co‑owner Jed York has been sentenced to jail in Ohio after being arrested for soliciting prostitution. The 46‑year‑old, who also owns the San Francisco 49ers, pleaded no contest to two charges – disorderly conduct and possession of instruments of crime – and was found guilty. Under Ohio law, a no‑contest plea means the defendant accepts the conviction without admitting guilt. York received a sentence of one day in jail for each offence, to be served concurrently, and was credited with time already served. He was fined $150 for the disorderly conduct charge and $1,000 for possessing the instruments of crime. Court records show the case was initiated by the East Palestine Police Department and filed in Columbiana County Municipal Court on Monday. At his arraignment, York entered a no‑contest plea to both counts and was adjudged guilty. An expungement petition filed the same day was denied. According to U.S. media reports, investigators from an Ohio Human Trafficking Task Force placed an advertisement on a prostitution website. York responded, agreeing to pay $140 (approximately £103) for sexual services. As part of a plea agreement, the original solicitation charge was reduced to the two offences to which he pleaded no contest, with the prosecution alleging the phone used to reply to the ad constituted the “instrument of crime.” The NFL issued a statement regarding the matter: “We are alert of the substance which volition be reviewed nether the idiosyncratic behaviour policy.” York’s involvement with Rangers stems from his role with 49ers Enterprises, the business arm linked to the San Francisco 49ers, where he serves as chief executive and principal owner. In May 2025, a consortium led by American businessman Andrew Cavenagh and 49ers Enterprises completed the takeover of Rangers after acquiring a 51 % stake in the Scottish Premiership club. Cavenagh assumed the chairmanship, while 49ers Enterprises took a prominent role in the club’s ownership. The takeover followed months of negotiations and placed Rangers under majority American‑backed control. 49ers Enterprises first invested in Leeds United in 2018, when the team was in the Championship, and increased its stake as Leeds returned to the Premier League after a 16‑year absence, eventually assuming full control in 2023. Both Rangers and Leeds have declined to comment, and the 49ers have been approached for a statement.