Jed York, a co-owner of Leeds United and Scottish Premiership side Rangers, has been jailed and fined following a conviction in Ohio. The 45-year-old owner of the NFL's San Francisco 49ers was sentenced to one day in jail for each of two offences after a case brought by the East Palestine Police Department.
York pleaded no contest to charges of disorderly conduct and possessing criminal tools. A no contest plea in Ohio means accepting a conviction without formally admitting guilt. The case was filed at Columbiana County Municipal Court on Monday, 20 February 2025. Court documents state York responded to an advertisement on a prostitution website placed by undercover officers from a Human Trafficking Task Force. He allegedly arranged to have sexual activity with a woman in exchange for $140 (£103). The charge of possessing criminal tools is thought to refer to a phone used to reply to the advertisement.
In a plea deal, the original charge was reduced. York was sentenced to one day in jail for each offence, with the sentences to be served concurrently. He was given credit for time already served. The court also fined him $150 for disorderly conduct and $1,000 for possessing criminal tools. An expungement request, which seeks to have records destroyed or sealed, was filed and denied on the same day as the case filing.
York serves as chief executive and principal owner of the San Francisco 49ers. The investment arm linked to that NFL team, 49ers Enterprises, first invested in Leeds United in 2018 when the club was in the Championship. It steadily increased its investment, with Leeds United eventually returning to the Premier League following a 16-year absence. York became a co-owner of Rangers through 49ers Enterprises. In May 2025, a consortium led by US businessman Andrew Cavenagh and 49ers Enterprises completed a takeover of the Scottish club, acquiring a controlling 51% stake. The takeover followed months of negotiations and brought Rangers under majority American-backed ownership. Cavenagh became Rangers chairman, with 49ers Enterprises taking a leading role. York is not involved in the day-to-day running of Rangers.
Both Rangers and Leeds United have said they will not be commenting on the legal matter involving their co-owner. The San Francisco 49ers issued a brief statement. "As this is a legal matter, which has been resolved, we will not be providing any further comment at this time," the 49ers said. The NFL also acknowledged the situation. "We are aware of the matter which will be reviewed under the personal conduct policy," the league stated. The case concludes a legal process that began with York's arrest for soliciting prostitution.
The news emerges as Leeds United prepares for its next Premier League fixture. The club currently sits 9th in the table with 3 points from one game, having started the season with a win. Their goal difference stands at +1, with one goal scored and none conceded so far. That solitary goal was netted by A. Stach, who is the team's top scorer this season with one goal in one appearance. Daniel Farke's side now faces a home match against Brentford, who are 3rd in the table, on 30 August 2026. Fans can track the team's progress on our standings page and view the full schedule on our fixtures list. The off-field ownership situation is now resolved legally, allowing focus to return fully to on-pitch matters at Elland Road.
