Prosecutors drop solicitation charges against Robert Kraft

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Sep 13, 2020; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft on the field before the start of game against the Miami Dolphins at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports

Sep 13, 2020; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft on the field before the start of game against the Miami Dolphins at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports

Robert Kraft's 19-month legal battle is over.

Florida prosecutors have dropped misdemeanor charges against the New England Patriots owner for soliciting prostitution, court papers filed Thursday show.

Kraft was charged with two counts of soliciting prostitution in February 2019 after surveillance footage allegedly showed the Patriots owner paying for sex acts at the Orchids of Asia day spa in Jupiter, Fla., in January.

However, a Florida court ruled this week to block that video footage from being used as evidence, which led to prosecutors dropping their case against Kraft.

"Although there was probable cause to make an arrest, the evidence cannot prove all legally required elements of the crime alleged and is insufficient to support a criminal prosecution," a court filing from the office of Palm Beach State Attorney Dave Aronberg read.

The owner and manager of the Orchids of Asia spa are still facing felony charges for running a house of prostitution, per the Associated Press, but it appears the case against Kraft is closed.

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