The recent arrest of New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft on charges of soliciting prostitution in Florida is again focusing attention on the massive and ugly sex trafficking industry.

The episode is embarrassing, certainly, for Kraft, 77. Particularly appalling is the juxtaposition of the powerful billionaire purchasing sexual gratification in some sleazy strip mall massage parlor from powerless and exploited women.

Kraft was among hundreds of men arrested when Florida police cracked down on what they contend were several sex trafficking operations, all involving Chinese women transported to the United States under the false assurances of legitimate jobs, only to be coerced into prostitution.

Yet the reality is that few would have taken notice of these raids if not for the arrest of such a high profile defendant. Such raids have happened before, but getting to the masterminds behind the human trafficking rings has proven problematic for law enforcement. The exploited workers are reluctant to testify, the investigation targets rotate among massage parlors, and police face international organizations beyond their reach.

The Miami Herald, pointing to an online website that helps men find such “services,” reported there are about 200 massage parlors offering sexual services in the Miami-Dade area alone.

Credit goes to local police for targeting the johns. Perhaps fear of embarrassment could dissuade others. Given the evidence of widespread coercion, no one frequenting such massage parlors for elicit acts should try to fool themselves these are victimless crimes. It enables a form of modern-day slavery.

Kraft has denied the allegations and a not guilty plea was entered on his behalf a week ago in Palm Beach County Court. But police say they have a video of Kraft being serviced on two consecutive days in January, and not with a traditional massage, and of him paying for the acts.

The charge Kraft faces is a first-degree misdemeanor, punishable by up to one year in jail, a $5,000 civil penalty and a mandatory 100 hours of community service. For a first offense, jail time seems highly unlikely, making the public mortification the greater punishment.

Kraft could be facing a big fine, and perhaps other punishment, from NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell.

If Kraft did this, as appears to be the case, his best course of action is admitting it, acknowledging the human exploitation behind these activities and using some of his riches to fight trafficking and help its victims. In other words, make amends.