Leeds United co-owner Jed York was sentenced to one day in jail after pleading no contest to two misdemeanour charges.
York, who is also the principal owner of NFL franchise the San Francisco 49ers, entered no-contest pleas to disorderly conduct and possessing criminal tools on Monday.
The disorderly conduct count had initially been filed as engaging in prostitution before being amended under a plea agreement with prosecutors.
Authorities alleged that York used his mobile phone to respond to an undercover online advertisement. The phone formed the basis of the possessing criminal tools charge, according to prosecutors.
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York was arrested on Sunday morning at a mobile home community in East Palestine, close to Youngstown, where he was raised.
He posted a $5,000 bond before appearing in court on Monday.
York received a one-day jail sentence for each offence, with the terms ordered to run concurrently.
He was credited with time served and was therefore not required to spend additional time behind bars.
The 49ers owner was also fined $1,150 and completed an online course.
Records state that his phone was returned, while $160 seized by officers was forfeited to the Mahoning Valley Human Trafficking Task Force.
York did not plead guilty. Under Ohio law, a no-contest plea in a misdemeanour case allows the court to determine guilt from the alleged facts but cannot be used as an admission in subsequent civil or criminal proceedings.
Columbiana County prosecutor Vito Abruzzino said such cases were considered according to their individual circumstances.
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“Each case is looked at individually and for specific facts of the conduct, what evidence the police provide, and input from the arresting officer,” Abruzzino said.
“You also have to factor in criminal history of the defendant, and whether or not they have committed these types of offences in the past, and importantly, what the judges will allow.”
The NFL confirmed that it was examining the matter because team owners fall within the scope of its personal conduct rules.
“We are aware of the matter which will be reviewed under the personal conduct policy,” the league said in a statement.
Possible sanctions under that policy can include fines or suspensions, although no decision concerning York has been announced.
The 49ers declined to discuss the circumstances surrounding the case after the court proceedings concluded.
“As this is a legal matter, which has been resolved, we will not be providing any further comment at this time,” the franchise said.
York is involved with Leeds through 49ers Enterprises, the investment group which completed its takeover of the Yorkshire club in 2023.
The Premier League’s owners’ and directors’ rules contain provisions under which officials can be disqualified following certain criminal convictions and custodial sentences.
York’s sentence was substantially below the 12-month custodial threshold applicable under one section of those rules.
However, the Premier League has not publicly confirmed whether it will examine the matter or take any action.
The NFL’s review, meanwhile, remains ongoing.
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