San Francisco 49ers owner Jed York was arrested over the weekend by East Palestine, Ohio police on charges of possessing criminal tools and disorderly conduct. York initially faced a charge of engaging in prostitution, according to court paperwork, but disorderly conduct replaced that charge in the official filing.
York, who maintains a residence in nearby Youngstown, pleaded no contest and paid fines totaling $1,150 as well as $135 in court fees, according to documents filed Monday in Columbiana County Municipal Court. York also paid $50 to request expungement, though both charges were misdemeanors.
Court records initially charged John Edward York, known as Jed, with engaging in prostitution, but the court system listed disorderly conduct instead.
Documents noted that $160 seized from York would be forfeited to the Mahoning Valley Human Trafficking Task Force, while his cellphone would be returned to him. York’s arraignment was held at 8:30 a.m. Monday, after which he paid his fees.
The 49ers declined comment, noting the situation was “a legal matter which has been resolved.” An NFL statement simply noted the league was “aware of the matter which will be reviewed under the personal conduct policy.”
A message to York seeking comment was not immediately returned. A Columbiana County Sheriff’s spokesperson declined to give further information on the case.
York, 46, has been part of the 49ers’ hierarchy for over 20 years and he 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 as her brother, Eddie DeBartolo, ceded his controlling shares in the wake of a Louisiana gambling scandal, pleading guilty to a felony. Their father, Edward J. DeBartolo, bought the 49ers in 1977 from the Morabito family, which founded the franchise in 1946.
Eddie DeBartolo’s ownership reign coincided with the 49ers’ rise to prominence and their five Super Bowl wins between the 1981 and 1994 seasons, earning him a spot in the Pro Football Hall of Fame a decade ago. However, the gambling scandal led to his ouster from the 49ers and the NFL, and although he pleaded guilty to a felony charge of failing to report an extortion attempt, he was pardoned in 2020 by President Donald Trump.
The DeBartolo and York family ownership has maintained ties to southeast Ohio, where the DeBartolo Corporation headquarters remain in Boardman about five miles south of Youngstown and 15 miles north of East Palestine.
Prostitution scandals are not new to the NFL ownership world: In 2019, New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft was charged in 2019 after visiting a Florida massage parlor for sex acts on the morning before his team played in the AFC Championship Game. Those charges were later dropped.
Jed York is the oldest of four siblings. Twin sisters Jenna and Mara lead the 49ers Foundation charity wing. Younger brother Tony passed away in 2018 at age 35. Jed York and his wife, Danielle, have two sons, Jaxon and Brixton.
This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.