San Francisco 49ers owner and CEO Jed York used the alias “Joe” and messaged an online prostitution advertisement three times over two days before he was arrested Sunday morning at a mobile home park, according to a Mahoning Valley Human Trafficking Task Force report obtained by The California Post.
York, 46, a Youngstown-area native, first reached out Saturday to a woman advertising adult services. Detectives wrote that he “advised that his name was Joe and that he would like to visit the female.” Later that day he messaged again, “just checking in” and asking if she was available. Both messages went unanswered.
At 9:11 a.m. Sunday he tried a third time, asking if “the female was free” and saying “he would love to come see her.” He told the account he was coming from Boardman, Ohio — about 25 minutes away — and asked for an address and the price for one hour.
The undercover operative quoted $160 for “full service sexual activity,” with unprotected s*x $20 more. York agreed to $160 and said he was on his way. Police then sent a fictitious lot number at Wheat Hill Mobile Home Community off State Route 170 in East Palestine.
Marked units stopped York at about 9:35 a.m. Sunday after he arrived in an Avis rental car. Officers seized $160 in cash and his iPhone. A test text confirmed the phone had been used to arrange the meeting. He was booked into Columbiana County Jail on suspicion of engaging in prostitution and possessing criminal tools — the phone.
Prosecutors later amended the prostitution count to disorderly conduct. On Monday, York pleaded no contest to that charge and to possessing criminal tools. A judge sentenced him to one day in jail on each count, served concurrently, with credit for time already served, and ordered $1,150 in fines. The task force forfeited $160. His phone was returned.
The 49ers said Monday the matter was a resolved legal issue and they would offer no further comment. The NFL said it is reviewing the case under the personal conduct policy.
York filed for divorce from Danielle Belluomini York on May 11 in Santa Clara County, citing irreconcilable differences after a 2011 marriage. The couple has two minor sons. The case remains pending.
Wheat Hill management said the park was not part of the sting. The owner posted that East Palestine Police Chief Weingart told him York was arrested there only because that is where he pulled over, and that police were not using park addresses in the operation. The community described itself as a quiet, 42-lot park that is “not the type of place that Jerry Springer would ever find people.”
York became 49ers CEO in 2008 and principal owner in 2024. The team finishes preseason Thursday against the Raiders before opening the regular season Sept. 10 against the Rams in Australia.
