What could be one of the most important hearings in the case against Robert Kraft is scheduled Friday as the New England Patriots' owner faces charges related to a prostitution sting in South Florida.
The most damaging evidence in the case comes from hidden cameras that were installed inside the massage parlor, with prosecutors saying they have video of Kraft paying for sex on two separate occasions.
A number of media outlets are asking for the surveillance video to be made public. Kraft’s lawyers will fight Friday against releasing the footage.
In court filings, Kraft's team called the video evidence "tawdry tabloid fodder," and said that if it's released, it will destroy "any prospect of a fair trial."
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Kraft’s attorneys also claim the videos are "expressly exempt" under Florida public records law.
"I think we can make our own visuals so I don't think we want to look at it," West Palm Beach resident Ed Barry said.
Kraft is charged with two counts of soliciting prostitution. Police said he paid for sexual favors at a Jupiter, Florida, day spa twice in late January.
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"He needs to be held accountable for his actions," Baltimore native Darren Graves said. "He's an NFL owner."
Wendy Murphy, a nationally-known victim's rights attorney who teaches at New England Law in Boston, said that while the video is technically a public record and subject to release, she doesn't think it should be put out.
"I don’t think it’s fair to Bob Kraft," Murphy said. "I don’t think it’s necessary. The public doesn’t have to see it, and frankly, I don’t think it’s fair to the women involved."
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Kraft's lawyers are also asking that video evidence be tossed, arguing the warrant police needed to install hidden cameras in the massage parlor contained misleading information.
"I would be surprised if people want to see that video is the real reaction I would have to it," West Palm Beach native Devin Pryon said. "If you really feel like it’s something you want to see, be my guest. But I think he’s already been exposed for what's happened."
Kraft was offered a plea deal, but he maintains his innocence and has asked for a jury trial instead.
"It’s possible the prosecution will just use that as leverage and say, 'Why don’t you take a plea deal and we won't release the tape," Murphy said.
The Cox Media Group National Content Desk contributed to this report.
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