Leeds and Rangers co-owner jailed after prostitution arrest

Leeds and Rangers co-owner Jed York has been jailed in Ohio after being arrested for soliciting prostitution.

The 45-year-old, who is also the owner of the San Francisco 49ers, was convicted of disorderly conduct and possessing criminal tools after pleading no contest to two charges.

In the Ohio legal system, a no contest plea means a defendant accepts a conviction without formally admitting guilt.

York was sentenced to one day in jail on each offence, to be served concurrently, and was given credit for time already served.

York was fined $150 for disorderly conduct and $1,000 for possessing criminal tools.

Court records show the case was brought by East Palestine Police Department and filed at Columbiana County Municipal Court on Monday.

York pleaded no contest to both charges at an arraignment hearing and was found guilty.

Court records also show an expungement request was filed and denied on the same day. This is a request to have records destroyed or sealed so they are not accessible to the public.

According to reports in the US media, other court documents say York responded to an advertisement on a prostitution website placed by undercover officers from a Human Trafficking Task Force in Ohio.

These documents say he arranged to have sexual activity with a woman in exchange for $140 (£103).

In a plea deal, the original charge was reduced to disorderly conduct and possessing criminal tools - thought to refer to the phone used to reply to the advert.

Takeover by US consortium

The 49ers were part of the US consortium who took control of Rangers last year but York is not involved in the day-to-day running of the club.

Rangers and Leeds have both said they will not be commenting.

The 49ers said: "As this is a legal matter, which has been resolved, we will not be providing any further comment at this time."

York became a co-owner of Rangers through 49ers Enterprises, the investment arm linked to the NFL's San Francisco 49ers, where he serves as chief executive and principal owner.

In May 2025, a consortium led by US businessman Andrew Cavenagh and 49ers Enterprises completed a takeover of Rangers after acquiring a controlling 51% stake in the Scottish Premiership club.

Cavenagh became Rangers chairman, with 49ers Enterprises taking a leading role in the club's ownership.

The takeover followed months of negotiations and brought Rangers under majority American-backed ownership.

49ers Enterprises first invested in Leeds United in 2018 when the club was in the Championship, steadily increasing its investment as the Whites returned to the Premier League following a 16-year absence, before assuming full control in 2023.

As an NFL owner, York is subject to league policies. "We are aware of the matter which will be reviewed under the personal conduct policy," the NFL said.

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