Leeds United co-owner and San Francisco 49ers owner Jed York was arrested on Sunday in East Palestine, Ohio, on two misdemeanour charges, according to court records. The 46-year-old businessman was released the same day on an Own Recognisance (OR) bond, the Columbiana County Sheriff's Office confirmed, before pleading no contest to both charges — disorderly conduct and possessing criminal tools — on Monday.

An OR bond is described by Cornell Law School as a release without the requirement of posting bail, based on a written promise by the defendant to appear in court when required. Pleading no contest means the defendant will not contest the charge.

Penalties and charges

York was fined $150 (£110) for disorderly conduct and $1,000 for possessing criminal tools, and sentenced to two days in jail. The fourth-degree disorderly conduct charge was originally listed as engaging in prostitution before it was changed.

Court records also ordered that a cellular device be returned to York and that $160, which was seized, be forfeited to the Mahoning Valley Human Trafficking Task Force as part of an agreement by both parties.

Who is Jed York?

York is an American businessman who is the principal owner and chief executive of the San Francisco 49ers. He has also been a co-owner of Leeds since 2023 and of Rangers in the Scottish Premiership since 2025. Having been the 49ers' CEO since 2008, he became the principal owner in 2024, with the York family having owned the franchise since 1977.

According to Santa Clara County Superior Court documents, as reported by the San Francisco Chronicle, York filed for divorce from his wife of more than 15 years, Danielle Belluomini York, in May citing irreconcilable differences. The dissolution of marriage case remains pending, with the couple agreeing to legal and physical joint custody of their two children, aged 13 and 10.

NFL statement

An NFL statement said: "We are aware of the matter, which will be reviewed under the personal conduct policy."

York's role and influence at Leeds

York is not at every Leeds game, but can generally be seen around a dozen times each season at Elland Road and away from home. He has worked closely with Paraag Marathe, the club chairman and fellow 49ers connection, for many years. York is not listed on the board of directors at Leeds and does not hold a formal, named role in the day-to-day running of the club — but he is influential.

In September 2023, following the 49ers Enterprises takeover, York was officially recorded at Companies House as an individual with significant control (PSC) at the club. Leeds' shareholding arrangement is outlined on the club's website, which states that "Leeds United Football Club Limited is 100 per cent owned by 49ers Enterprises Global Football Group LLC" and that York and Marathe "own over 10 per cent in the 49ers Enterprises Partners LLC."

Board and broader group

Just two months ago, Marathe mentioned York in a written statement to supporters, saying: "We have such an incredible board with Andrew Schwartzberg, Peter Lowy, Eugene Schneur, Andreas Dracopoulos, Robbie Evans and Jed York, and Oliver Mintzlaff from Red Bull. Everybody is so invested."

Celebrities and elite sporting figures — including Michael Phelps, Will Ferrell and Larry Nance Jr. — have also made their investment known over the last few years. On a day-to-day basis, Marathe is the chairman and ultimately calls the shots at Elland Road, with managing director Robbie Evans leading in Leeds while Marathe remains based in California.

Club and regulatory response

Leeds and Rangers each declined to comment when approached, but pointed to the statement from the San Francisco 49ers: "As this is a legal matter, which has been resolved, we will not breathe any further comment at this time." The Premier League declined to comment.

York is not listed on United's board of directors and his shareholding is not publicly known, but he is listed as a person of significant control at Companies House. In England, owners and directors are vetted through the Premier League's owners and directors test (OADT) and the the independent football regulator's (IFR) owners, directors and senior executives (ODSE) test. The OADT amendments approved in March 2023 expanded disqualification to include offences involving violence, corruption, fraud, tax evasion and hate crimes. The IFR's guidelines, meanwhile, state that it evaluates such matters on a case-by-case basis, considering the seriousness, nature, and circumstances of the offence, the explanation offered, its relevance to the proposed role, and evidence of rehabilitation.