49ers owner Jed York pleads no contest to Ohio misdemeanor charges

San Francisco 49ers owner Jed York pleaded no contest on Monday to misdemeanor charges of disorderly conduct and possessing criminal tools following his arrest in East Palestine, Ohio. Prosecutors said the original charge of engaging in prostitution was reduced, and that the possession charge stemmed from York using his phone to respond to an undercover online advertisement.

York was taken into custody on Sunday morning at a mobile-home community near his hometown of Youngstown and released after posting a $5,000 bond. He was sentenced to one day in jail, to be served concurrently for both offenses, and was credited with that day upon his plea. In addition, he was fined $1,150 and required to complete an online course. A $160 cash seizure was directed to the Mahoning Valley Human Trafficking Task Force as part of the agreement, and his cellphone was returned.

Columbiana County Prosecutor Vito Abruzzino said most prostitution cases end in plea deals, noting that each case is evaluated based on the specific facts, evidence, the defendant’s criminal history and judicial discretion.

The NFL said it is aware of the arrest and will review the matter under its personal-conduct policy, which can result in fines or suspensions for owners. The 49ers declined further comment, stating the legal matter had been resolved.

York assumed day-to-day control of the franchise in 2008 and became principal owner in 2024. Under his tenure, the team has reached the Super Bowl three times and moved to Levi’s Stadium in 2014.