Former Abercrombie & Fitch CEO Mike Jeffries recently appeared in a Long Island courtroom to face sex trafficking and prostitution charges. During the court session, he pleaded not guilty and was granted a $10 million bond package. As part of his release conditions, Jeffries will be under home confinement and electronic monitoring, with restrictions on contacting co-defendants, witnesses, or alleged victims.
Three of the victims involved in the case were present in the courtroom, along with Jeffries’ wife and son. The former CEO is scheduled to return to court on December 12, maintaining silence as he left the premises. One of Jeffries’ former employees expressed relief that these allegations have finally come to light after a long time.
The indictment against Jeffries, along with his romantic partner Matthew Smith and another individual, James Jacobson, accuses them of running an international sex trafficking and prostitution ring between 2008 and 2015. Prosecutors claim that the trio spent millions of dollars on various resources to support this operation, involving the transportation of men for commercial sex activities.
If found guilty, Jeffries and his associates could face severe penalties, ranging from 15 years to life in prison. The allegations suggest that Jeffries misused his authority as CEO to entice young men into sexual acts under false pretenses of modeling opportunities for Abercrombie & Fitch. The fashion company responded to these claims with shock and condemnation.
Additional details from the indictment reveal that victims were subjected to non-disclosure agreements, alcohol, drugs, and other substances to facilitate sexual activities without their full consent. Prosecutors highlighted instances where victims were coerced or forced into invasive sexual encounters against their will.
Following the arrests, the FBI has encouraged other potential victims to come forward and share their experiences. The case, which currently lists 15 victims, is believed to involve numerous individuals who may have been impacted by the sex trafficking ring. One former model, Barret Pall, recounted a distressing experience during an audition that led him to Jeffries’ residence in New York.
Jeffries’ partner, Matthew Smith, and recruiter James Jacobson also faced legal proceedings related to these charges. While Jacobson entered a not guilty plea and was released on bond, Smith’s flight risk prompted the court to order his detention due to his dual citizenship.
The FBI hotline (1-800-CALL-FBI) remains open for any additional victims or witnesses to provide information relevant to the case. The investigation into the sex trafficking allegations involving the former Abercrombie & Fitch CEO continues to unfold, shedding light on a disturbing network of exploitation and abuse.
