Leeds and Rangers co-owner arrested after prostitution investigation at a US trailer park

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FT Desk

Rangers co-owner Jed York has been arrested in the United States after a prostitution sting at a trailer park.

The San Francisco 49ers boss, who was part of a consortium that bought Rangers in 2025, was arrested at the Wheat Hill Mobile Home Community in East Palestine, Ohio, on Sunday, according to police reports.

Police in the village were working alongside the Mahoning Valley Human Trafficking Task Force when York was arrested.

He was subsequently taken to the Columbiana County Jail, where he remained in custody before appearing in court.

A photo released by authorities of York in an orange jumpsuit soon went viral on social media.

The original charge following the arrest was for engaging in prostitution but this was downgraded to disorderly conduct before he made his plea in court.

The 46-year-old was also ordered to pay a $150 fine for the disorderly conduct conviction and a $1,000 fine for possessing criminal tools.

Columbiana County Prosecutor Vito Abruzzino said most of these prostitution cases usually end in plea agreements.

"Each case is looked at individually and for specific facts of the conduct, what evidence the police provide, and input from the arresting officer," he said in an email.

"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 49ers Enterprises-led consortium completed its takeover of Rangers on May 30, 2025, after several months of negotiations.

The consortium, led by Andrew Cavenagh and 49ers Enterprises, acquired a 51 per cent controlling stake in the Scottish Premiership club.

Though York is not routinely seen at matches, he has visited Ibrox on a few occasions as well as Elland Road, as the consortium is also the majority shareholder in Leeds.

BREAKING: 49ers CEO Jed York arrested https://t.co/80rCX0zVbF pic.twitter.com/UtpFOGunt9

— KRON4 News (@kron4news) August 24, 2026

“We own Leeds United, we’re big investors in Rangers. I get over to the UK a lot for games," he told talkSPORT back in February.

“There’s nothing like Elland Road, there’s nothing like going to see a Rangers match.

“I was at my first Old Firm match earlier this season for a draw but it was truly a special experience and watching Rangers get back up and try to fight and compete and hold their own, it’s been special.

“We’re hoping that we have a lot more success.”

The NFL confirmed it was aware of York's arrest and said the matter would be assessed under its personal conduct policy.

The policy applies to team owners as well as players and other league personnel, with violations potentially resulting in disciplinary action such as fines or suspensions.