Former Abercrombie & Fitch CEO Mike Jeffries has been arrested on sex trafficking charges, according to prosecutors. The charges include allegations of sex trafficking and engaging in interstate prostitution between December 2008 and March 2015. Jeffries allegedly used his position as CEO to entice young men by offering them modeling opportunities with the company.
Jeffries, along with two co-defendants, Matthew Smith and James Jacobson, were apprehended on Tuesday morning. The arrests were the result of an investigation that involved the FBI and the NYPD’s Special Victims Unit.
Prosecutors claim that Jeffries and Smith funded the travel of numerous men for the purpose of engaging in commercial sex acts, both domestically and internationally. Jacobson was allegedly involved in recruiting individuals for these activities, often requiring them to engage in sex acts with him as part of a “tryout” process.
The indictment further alleges that the defendants used force, fraud, and coercion to traffic these men for their own sexual pleasure. Victims were reportedly not informed about the sexual nature of the events they were attending, and were provided with non-disclosure agreements to sign upon arrival.
Additionally, attendees were said to have been supplied with alcohol, muscle relaxants, lubricants, Viagra, and condoms at these events. Prosecutors claim that Jeffries and Smith engaged in invasive and violent sexual contact with the victims, even when consent was not given or possible.
The indictment lists 15 victims, but prosecutors suggest that there are many more individuals involved in the case. Jeffries was expected to appear in court in Palm Beach, Florida, while another defendant was scheduled for a court appearance in Minnesota.
This arrest is not the first time Jeffries has faced allegations of sex trafficking. He was previously named in a class-action lawsuit that accused him of operating a widespread sex-trafficking operation. The lawsuit claimed that he used his position at Abercrombie & Fitch to lure young men with promises of modeling opportunities, only to exploit them for his own sexual gratification.
Abercrombie & Fitch has stated that they have no comment on the recent arrest, but previously hired a law firm to conduct an independent investigation into the allegations. Jeffries served as CEO of the company from 1992 until 2014, reportedly leaving with a retirement package of over $25 million.
The case serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of exploitation and abuse, particularly within industries that attract young individuals with dreams of success. Prosecutors hope that this case will send a clear message to those who seek to exploit others for their own gain, emphasizing that such actions will not go unpunished.
