Mike Jeffries, the former CEO of Abercrombie & Fitch, has been arrested on charges of sex trafficking and interstate prostitution. Jeffries, who led the clothing brand from 1992 to 2014, was taken into custody in West Palm Beach, Florida. Two of his associates, Matthew Smith of West Palm Beach and James Jacobson of Wisconsin, were also arrested in connection with the charges.
According to a federal indictment, Jeffries and his associates allegedly ran an international sex trafficking and prostitution operation from 2008 to 2015. The indictment claims they organized “sex events” in locations such as England, France, Italy, Morocco, St. Barts, and New York, using deceptive and coercive tactics to recruit men for commercial sex, often promising modeling opportunities or career advancement.
The men involved were reportedly forced to sign non-disclosure agreements and surrender personal belongings like cell phones and wallets during the events. Jeffries and his associates are also accused of providing participants with alcohol, muscle relaxants, and other items to facilitate the sex acts.
Jeffries, Smith, and Jacobson face charges of sex trafficking and 15 counts of interstate prostitution involving 15 victims. This comes a year after a BBC report exposed allegations of exploitation at Jeffries’ sex parties. Federal prosecutors from the Eastern District of New York will hold a press conference later today to discuss the charges.
