President Trump said Friday that news of New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft facing charges in a prostitution sting was “very sad.”
Speaking to reporters at the White House on Friday afternoon, the president said he was surprised to see Kraft, a longtime friend of his, facing charges by Florida police.
“Surprised to see it. He has denied it,” Trump said, calling it a “very sad” situation.
Kraft, 77, is facing two charges of soliciting prostitution. His spokesman has denied allegations of any unlawful activity.
Police said during a news conference that they have video evidence of the encounters.{mosads}
“Our concern in this investigation centers around the possibility of victims of human trafficking,” Jupiter, Fla., police chief Daniel Kerr said at the press conference Friday morning.
“We categorically deny that Mr. Kraft engaged in any illegal activity,” Kraft’s spokesperson said in a statement. “Because it is a judicial matter, we will not be commenting further.”
Kraft, who has not been arrested, has frequently offered words of support for the president. He often visits Trump’s Mar-a-Lago resort in Palm Beach, Fla., which is approximately 20 miles from Jupiter.
The president reportedly prioritized an issue related to the NFL on Kraft’s behalf during recent trade negotiations with Canada.
Twenty-four other people were charged by police Friday in the sting, which authorities said could have involved human trafficking. Kraft is not accused of or charged with being involved in human trafficking.
— Updated 4 p.m.