Billionaire Robert Kraft — the owner of the New England Patriots — was charged with two counts of soliciting prostitution at a massage parlor, according to probable-cause affidavits released by Florida prosecutors.

The 77-year-old widower faces up to a year in jail if convicted of the two misdemeanor charges. Kraft will also be required pay a $5,000 fine, do 100 hours of community service, and attend a class on human trafficking.

He will be arraigned in Palm Beach County Court on April 24, ESPN reported.

Sanctimonious Media Clutch Their Pearls

According to affidavits obtained by Palm Beach Post reporter Olivia Hitchcock, Kraft paid for manual stimulation at the Orchids of Asia Day Spa in Jupiter, Florida on Jan. 19 and Jan. 20, 2019.

Here’s one of the affidavits (warning: explicit language):

“On Sunday, January 20th, 2019, video surveillance was conducted at the target business. At approximately 1059 hrs, Kraft entered the business through the front door, where he paid cash at the front desk to an Asian female, previously identified as [REDACTED] which was captured on JPPD Cam 5. [REDACTED] escorted Kraft to a room identified as JPPD Cam 2. There, the two hugged each other and Kraft took off all of clothing, laid face up on the massage table and [REDACTED] hugged him again. At approximately 1102 hrs. [REDACTED] began manipulating Kraft’s penis and testicles and then put her head down by his penis. This went on for several minutes. After a few minutes, [REDACTED] wiped Kraft in the area of his genitals with a white towel, helped him get dressed and hugged him again. Kraft gave [REDACTED] a $100 bill plus at least one other unidentifiable bill. Kraft left the room at approximately 1113 hrs.” “Based on the aforementioned investigation, I have probable cause to believe Robert K. Kraft did solicit, induce, entice, or procure another to commit prostitution, lewdness, or assignation, contrary to Florida Statute 796.07(5)(a)1.”

‘No Allegations of Human Trafficking’

Palm Beach’s Democrat state attorney Dave Aronberg issued a statement claiming Kraft’s arrest was part of a crackdown on human trafficking in Florida.

Aronberg even hyped the incident as akin to “modern-day slavery.” However, he admits that NO ONE has been charged with human trafficking.

In addition, authorities say the masseuses could have walked out anytime. How is that “slavery?”

“They could’ve walked out into the street and asked for help,” Martin County Sheriff Snyder said. “But they didn’t.”

Moreover, there’s zero evidence that Robert Kraft knew that the masseuses could theoretically have been trafficking victims. But press-whore prosecutors love salacious headlines and having celebrities tangentially caught in their webs because it raises their profiles.

Social Media Decries Malicious Prosecution

Twitter erupted with contemptuous snark upon learning that authorities are aggressively pursuing Kraft because he sought a “handjob.”

Wow, the streets are safer now that prosecutors are targeting a mild-mannered, 77-year-old widower.

“Cut the bullsh**.”

just admit you have a problem with sex work and cut the bullshit — Marlow Stern (@MarlowNYC) February 26, 2019

Fox News’ Geraldo Rivera tweeted: “Grossly unfair smear.”

By all accounts child sex criminal #JeffreyEpstein is a creep. But #RobertKraft is a 77-year old widower. Even if he was seeking a happy ending at the massage parlor there are no allegations he had anything to do w sex trafficking. Grossly unfair smear even if you hate the Pats — Geraldo Rivera (@GeraldoRivera) February 23, 2019

Another quipped: “BIG DEAL.”

https://twitter.com/SteamboatPowGal/status/1100117684966981632

Another commented: “Makes me sick to my stomach to see these people ruin a man’s reputation who has done so much good.”

@espn@nfl I think it is absolutely pathetic what they are doing to Robert Kraft. He’s a 77 year old widower that allegedly paid a girl for a happy ending in a massage parlor. Makes me sick to my stomach to see these people ruin a mans reputation who has done so much good.😡😡😡😡 — John Gurera (@johnnyg4419) February 25, 2019

“Leave Robert Kraft alone. Let him live.”

https://twitter.com/ManWestcoast/status/1099331604978139138

Donated $100 Million to Charity

Getting caught soliciting prostitution is embarrassing. But does Kraft deserve all the seedy headlines and over-the-top media coverage? He’s not accused of a violent crime, and has no prior arrests.

To the contrary, Kraft has a reputation for being a soft-spoken, humble businessman who has done a lot of charity work over the years.

Kraft — whose net worth tops $6.6 billion — is the chairman and CEO of the Kraft Group, a diversified holding company. It is unrelated to the Kraft Foods Groups.

Kraft is best-known as the owner of the reigning Super Bowl champs, the New England Patriots. However, he has spent a lifetime doing philanthropic work and has donated $100 million to a wide variety of charities Does his entire reputation deserve to go down in flames over a stupid massage?

#41 On Patriots’ Day, we honor the New England Patriots’ 5-time Super Bowl winning owner Robert Kraft and his late wife Myra for their dedication to Israel.#Honoring70🇮🇱🇺🇸https://t.co/vIFeRgIjeO pic.twitter.com/30JRzaBtd4 — Amb. Ron Dermer (@AmbDermer) April 16, 2018

Kraft married his wife Myra in 1963, and together, the couple had four sons. He was said to be a devoted husband throughout their 48-year marriage. Myra died of cancer in 2011 at the age of 68.

By all accounts, Robert Kraft was a model citizen, husband, and humanitarian until last month. So great job to Florida authorities for smearing his name by leaking it to the media! We can all sleep better at night knowing that Kraft will no longer get his “happy endings.”