Leeds co-owner sentenced to ‘day in jail’ after arrest in sting operation

Jed York also owns NFL side San Francisco 49ers.

According to reports, the 46-year-old “arranged to have sexual activity with [a] female in exchange for $140,” after he responded to an advert, and was subsequently arrested at a trailer park on Sunday (23 August).

The arrest was made by an agent from a human trafficking task force, who had arranged the sting operation, the reports details.

The Leeds co-owner was then sentenced after he delivered a plea of "no contest to misdemeanour charges of disorderly conduct and possessing criminal tools."

York's arrest took place in the area of in East Palestine in Ohio, and he was initially charged with "engaging in prostitution" but this was later amended to "disorderly conduct."

The 46-year-old was then sentenced to a day in prison and was fined $1,150.

Will York face sanctions from the Premier League?

In the Times' report they make reference to the owners’ and directors’ tests operated by the Premier League and the Independent Football Regulator, and they add that York's sentence is "unlikely to result in disqualification."

The only criminal convictions that would typically result in a Premier League disqualification are those carrying a prison sentence over 12 months, as well as "for offences involving dishonesty, corruption or fraud, and for football-related breaches such as match-fixing," the Times report.

Although Leeds United are yet to comment on the situation, York's NFL team the 49ers provided the following statement: "As this is a legal matter, which has been resolved, we will not be providing any further comment at this time."

To be clear in the case of Jed York's conviction, a no contest plea by a defendant does not admit guilt but does mean acceptance of the punishment for the charges.