Earlier this week, Jupiter, Florida police announced charges against 25 men for participating in human trafficking and prostitution.
Video Shows Evidence of Participation
The police chief confirmed that there is video evidence of all 25 of the accused men participating in and receiving ‘paid acts’ at the Orchids of Asia day spa where the investigation took place.
According to police, the spa was under surveillance by police for human trafficking concerns and officers involved in the sting had been wearing body cameras. "Our concern in this investigation centers around victims of human trafficking," said Kerr.
NFL New England Patriots Owner Robert Kraft Involved
One of the accused is billionaire businessman Robert Kraft, owner of the Super Bowl champion New England Patriots. He reportedly is being charged with two counts of soliciting another to commit prostitution.
In Kraft’s case, evidence includes video of him being driven to the spa, located at Indiantown Road and U.S.-1 in Jupiter, and video of Kraft in a room at the spa receiving the alleged acts. The charges relate to two visits by Kraft to the spa.
The NFL's Personal Conduct Policy states that sex offenses are considered a violation of the league's standards of conduct. As of publishing, the NFL has not announced if it will investigate Kraft’s conduct.
In relation to the NFL's Personal Conduct Policy, owners and league employees are subject to an even stricter standard than players, so an investigation could lead to a fine or sanctions.
Kraft, 77, who in addition to the Patriots, owns the New England Revolution Major League Soccer team and other businesses, is number 79 on the Forbes 400 list of the richest Americans, with a net worth of $6.6 billion.
Human Trafficking Investigation Includes Multiple Day Spas
The human trafficking case in Martin County is an 8-month, multi-agency investigation that included surveillance of five day spas in the area: Cove Day Spa and Therapy Spa in Stuart, Bridge Day Spa and Sequoia Apple Day Spa in Hobe Sound, and Orchids of Asia Day Spa in Jupiter.
According to a local sheriff, a complaint filed by the Health Department in July 2018 tipped off local investigators. So far three women have been arrested on a variety of charges related to the investigation and police have indicated that dozens and dozens of arrests are yet to come.
A recent news conference in Indian River County announced the shuttering of three-day spas and charges against customers and spa operators. To date, 165 men have been charged with solicitation of prostitution.
DKR Partner and Criminal Defense Attorney Michelle Suskauer Representing Clients
Dimond Kaplan & Rothstein, P.A. has been retained to represent at least one of the men who has been arrested. DKR partner Michelle R. Suskauer will be lead counsel on behalf of the arrested man. She is the current President of The Florida Bar and runs DKR’s criminal defense practice out of the firm’s West Palm Beach office. DKR lawyer Tyler Dimaio, who also focuses his practice on criminal defense law, is expected to be involved in the representation as well.
Michelle Suskauer has been practicing in Palm Beach County since 1991, with a focus in criminal law in both state and federal courts. In addition to serving as the current President of the Florida Bar, she is AV-rated by Martindale-Hubbell and has been recognized in the annual Florida Super Lawyers Magazine as one of Florida’s top criminal defense attorneys.
Speak with a Dimond Kaplan & Rothstein, P.A. Criminal Defense Attorney
Dimond Kaplan & Rothstein, P.A., has been recognized as a “Top Law Firm” by the South Florida Legal Guide every year since 2006. Contact a criminal defense attorney at Dimond Kaplan & Rothstein, P.A. to schedule an appointment for a free consultation about your legal rights.
Our offices are located in Los Angeles, New York, Detroit, West Palm Beach, Naples and Miami, and we represent clients nationwide. Translations services are available.
