Leeds, Rangers Co-owner, Jed York, Jailed Over Prostitution-Related Charges

Leeds United and Rangers co-owner Jed York has been jailed after being arrested in Ohio on charges linked to soliciting prostitution, according to court records.

The 45-year-old sports executive entered no-contest pleas to charges of disorderly conduct and possessing criminal tools at an arraignment in Columbiana County Municipal Court. Under Ohio law, a no-contest plea allows a defendant to accept a conviction without formally admitting guilt.

York was sentenced to one day in jail for each offence, with the terms to run concurrently, and was credited with time already served. He was also fined $150 for disorderly conduct and $1,000 for possessing criminal tools.

A request to have the case expunged, filed on the same day, was denied, meaning the records will remain publicly accessible.

According to US media reports citing court documents, York responded to an advertisement on a prostitution website operated by undercover officers from an Ohio Human Trafficking Task Force. He allegedly arranged to meet a woman and exchange $140 for sexual activity.

The criminal-tools charge reportedly related to the mobile phone he used to respond to the advertisement. The original charges were reduced as part of a plea agreement.

The case was brought by the East Palestine Police Department.

York is the principal owner of the NFL’s San Francisco 49ers and became a co-owner of Rangers through 49ers Enterprises, the club’s investment arm.

In May 2025, a consortium led by businessman Andrew Cavenagh and 49ers Enterprises completed its takeover of Rangers, acquiring a controlling 51 per cent stake in the Scottish Premiership club. Cavenagh became chairman, while 49ers Enterprises assumed a leading ownership role.

49ers Enterprises first invested in Leeds United in 2018, when the club was in the Championship, before increasing its stake and taking full control in 2023 after Leeds returned to the Premier League.

Leeds and Rangers have declined to comment on the matter, while York is not involved in the day-to-day running of either club.

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

The NFL confirmed it was aware of the case and said it would be reviewed under the league’s personal conduct policy.