49ers owner Jed York pleads no contest to misdemeanors after Ohio arrest

49ers owner Jed York pleads no contest to misdemeanors after Ohio arrest

San Francisco 49ers principal owner Jed York pleaded no contest on Monday, August 24, 2026, to misdemeanor charges of disorderly conduct and possessing criminal tools following an arrest in East Palestine, Ohio.

York was arrested in the early hours of Sunday morning at a mobile home park, according to court documents and media reports. He was released after posting a $5,000 bond. The arrest was the result of routine enforcement activities by the Mahoning Valley Human Trafficking Task Force, which is led by the Mahoning County Sheriff’s Office and includes the East Palestine Police Department, according to Steve Irwin, a spokesperson for the Ohio Attorney General’s Office.

Court records indicate that prosecutors initially charged York with engaging in prostitution. That charge was later amended to disorderly conduct. The New York Post reported that court documents state York responded to a website advertisement and arranged to have sexual activity with [a] female in exchange for $140.

During his 8:30 a.m. Arraignment on Monday in Columbiana County Municipal Court, York was sentenced to one day in jail for each offense to be served concurrently. He received credit for one day already served. He also paid $1,150 in fines and $135 in court fees, and paid $50 to request the expungement of the misdemeanor charges. Additionally, York was ordered to complete an online course.

Authorities seized $160 from York, which court records show will be forfeited to the Mahoning Valley Human Trafficking Task Force. While his cellphone was seized, records indicate it will be returned to him. Regarding the charge of possessing criminal tools, Irwin noted such tools could include a cellphone, money, or condoms used to engage in prostitution.

The San Francisco 49ers declined to comment further, stating the situation was a legal matter which has been resolved.

The NFL has confirmed it is reviewing the incident. Brian McCarthy, a league spokesman, stated the league was aware of the matter which will be reviewed under the personal conduct policy.

The league's personal conduct policy requires owners and other league members to refrain from conduct detrimental to the integrity of and public confidence in the NFL. The policy further asserts that illegal or irresponsible conduct damages the reputation of others in the game, and undercuts public respect and support for the NFL, stating that league members must endeavor at all times to be people of high character.

York, 46, was born and raised in Youngstown, Ohio, and maintains a residence there. The DeBartolo and York families have long-standing ties to the region; the DeBartolo Corporation is headquartered in Boardman, located about 15 miles north of East Palestine and five miles south of Youngstown.

York has served as the 49ers' CEO since 2008 and officially became the principal owner in 2024 after acquiring shares from his mother, Denise DeBartolo York. The franchise was originally purchased in 1977 by his grandfather, Edward J. DeBartolo, from the Morabito family.

The 49ers' ownership history includes prior legal turmoil. In 2000, Denise DeBartolo York and Dr. John York became primary owners after Eddie DeBartolo ceded his shares following a Louisiana gambling scandal. Eddie DeBartolo pleaded guilty to a felony for failing to report an extortion attempt, though he received a presidential pardon in 2020.

This incident follows other high-profile legal issues involving NFL owners. In 2019, New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft faced charges after visiting a Florida massage parlor, though those charges were eventually dropped.