“Despite the probable reasons for the arrest, the evidence does not prove all the legally necessary elements of the crime and is insufficient to prosecute,” state attorney David Aronberg wrote in court documents.
Kraft was one of dozens of supporters caught on hidden camera receiving an illegal massage at West Palm Beach Spa in January 2019. A month later, he was charged with two counts of soliciting prostitution.
His legal team challenged the validity of the search warrant by which officers installed hidden cameras in the SPA, saying it violated Florida law and its Fourth Amendment right against unfair search and seizure. A Palm Beach County judge agreed in May 2019 and ruled to suppress the video, effectively escalating the criminal case against him.
“This type of use of law enforcement surveillance in these cases is extreme,” the appellate court said in its ruling. “While there will be situations that can guarantee the use of technology on the issue, the strict Fourth Amendment safety developed over the last few decades must be observed. If it is not, any evidence obtained can very well be declared unacceptable. Law. “
Prosecutor Aronberg said he did not agree with the decision not to proceed with the allegations in the Asia Riches Asia f Asia Day Spa case but he understood.
“Without these videos, we would not be able to proceed with our proceedings. And in this way, we have a moral obligation to file lawsuits against all defendants,” Aronberg said.
Aronberg said two people still face serious charges in the case.
Last year, Kraft pleaded not guilty to the charges and apologized, saying “he has hurt and disappointed my family, my close friends, my colleagues, our fans and many others who have held me to the highest standards.”
He is the owner of the six-time Super Bowl champions New England Patriots since 1994.
CNN’s Rebecca Rise and Steve Almasi contributed to this report.
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