San Francisco 49ers owner Jed York used a false name to text a person he believed was a sex worker before being arrested in a sting operation at a mobile home park near his residence in Ohio, according to an incident report obtained by the Bay Area News Group.
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On Saturday, the day before his arrest, York texted a number listed in an undercover ad posted by a law enforcement officer on a prostitution website, the report says.
York said his name was Joe and that he would like to schedule a time to meet. He did not receive a response and followed up later in the day, again to no response.
The next day at around 9:10 a.m., York messaged again to set up a meeting. He asked the price for one hour with the person he believed was a sex worker. He was told $160, with an additional $20 for unprotected sex. York agreed to $160, the report states.
York also responded that he had a California phone number because he used to live in the state but now resides elsewhere, according to the Mahoning Valley Law Enforcement Task Force report. His current address was redacted in the copy of the report obtained by this news organization. York is known to have a home in Youngstown, Ohio.
York was then given a meeting location at a mobile home park and was stopped by officers shortly after arriving in a rental car. Officers seized the $160 and confirmed that his cellphone had been used to arrange the meeting. They arrested him at the mobile home park.
According to an affidavit cited by Ohio television station WKBN, York was arrested at 9:35 a.m. on Sunday at the Wheat Hill Mobile Home Community in East Palestine, Ohio.
Messages to York on Monday and Tuesday seeking comment were not immediately returned.
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Authorities initially charged York with engaging in prostitution and possessing criminal tools after arresting him. Prosecutors reduced the prostitution charge to disorderly conduct under a plea agreement, court records show.
York, 46, was sentenced to one day in jail on each count, to be served concurrently, and received credit for the day he had already spent in custody. He also paid $1,150 in fines after posting a $5,000 bond Sunday. Court records show authorities seized the $160 but returned the team owner’s cellphone to him.
York filed for divorce from his wife, Danielle, on May 11, citing irreconcilable differences, according to Santa Clara County court records. The pair has agreed to share custody of their two children, ages 10 and 13, according to the records. The separation of their assets has not been determined, and the case is still pending.
York has been part of the 49ers’ hierarchy for over 20 years and assumed the title of “principal owner” two years ago to assure his family’s continued control.
His parents, Denise DeBartolo York and Dr. John York, became the 49ers’ primary owners in 2000 after her brother, Eddie DeBartolo, ceded his controlling shares following a Louisiana gambling scandal. DeBartolo pleaded guilty to failing to report an extortion attempt and was pardoned in 2020 by President Donald Trump.
The 49ers practiced at Levi’s Stadium Tuesday after a private workout Monday with no media access. Coach Kyle Shanahan told reporters after practice that the York matter was a “very tough situation,” noting his respect for both Danielle and Jed York. He said that the owner has not been around the 49ers’ facility during training camp over the past month as the team prepares for its regular season, which opens Sept. 10 in Melbourne, Australia against the rival Los Angeles Rams.
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