Robert Kraft, CC ’63

New England Patriots owner and Columbia donor Robert Kraft, CC ‘63, has been charged with two counts of soliciting prostitution as part of a major human trafficking investigation, according to police in Jupiter, Florida.

According to CBS News, Kraft was charged as part of a raid in an ongoing sting operation in a day spa in Florida. Twenty four other individuals were also charged. Jupiter Police Chief Daniel Kerr stated that there is video evidence of solicitation.

Kraft graduated from Columbia College in 1963. At Columbia, he served as class president and played on the football team. In 1987, he received Columbia’s John Jay award, a recognition given to accomplished alumni. Since then, Kraft has donated upwards of 8.4 million dollars to the university. In 2005, he pledged 5 million dollars specifically to Columbia’s athletics program. He has also served as a University trustee for two six-year terms. The Kraft Center for Jewish Student Life and the Robert K. Kraft Field are both named after him.

Kraft bought the Patriots in January of 1994, leading them to victory in six Super Bowls. He is also the CEO of the Kraft Group, a private holding company.

Bwog has reached out to the Columbia College Communications team for a statement; we were informed that they will not be commenting on this news.

Reporting by Zӧe Sottile.

Image from Columbia’s Distinguished Alumni Feature.