Ex-Abercrombie CEO Mike Jeffries arrested on sex trafficking charges
22 October 2024, 14:31 | Updated: 22 October 2024, 18:41
The former boss of fashion giant Abercrombie & Fitch and his British partner have been arrested and face sex trafficking charges.
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A spokesperson for federal prosecutors in the US said ex-chief executive Mike Jeffries, his partner Matthew Smith and a third man, Jim Jacobson, were arrested on Tuesday morning.
The trio are alleged to have sexually abused young men at parties in the US and other countries.
Lawyers for both Mr Jeffries and Mr Smith have previously "vehemently denied" any wrongdoing.
Brad Edwards, a lawyer at law firm Edwards Henderson, who represents some alleged victims in the case, and previously filed a civil case against Mr Jeffries and Mr Smith, said: "Our firm represents all of the victims in the class action case we filed on their behalf.
"This arrest is a huge step on the path to justice for the many young men who were exploited and abused by Jeffries and Smith, who used Abercrombie to pull off one of the most organised sex trafficking operations in United States history."
The US attorney for the Eastern District of New York said the former boss of Abercrombie & Fitch and his British partner have been arrested "on charges of sex trafficking and engaging in interstate prostitution".
Breon Peace told a press conference in New York: "We're here today to announce the arrest and charging of three defendants, former CEO of Abercrombie & Fitch, Michael Jeffries, Matthew Smith and James Jacobson on charges of sex trafficking and engaging in interstate prostitution."
He added: "Powerful individuals for too long have trafficked and abused for their own sexual pleasure young people with few resources, and a dream. The dream of securing a successful career in fashion or entertainment.
"To anyone who thinks they can exploit and coerce others by using the so-called casting couch system - this case should serve as a warning - prepare to trade that couch for a bed in federal prison."
Men were selected and flown to the former boss of fashion giant Abercrombie & Fitch and his British partner's homes, or to hotels in England, France, Italy, Morocco and St Barts, "for the purpose of attending events to engage in commercial sex", Breon Peace, the United States attorney for the Eastern District of New York said.
A total of 15 "John Does" have been identified as alleged victims in the indictment.
An FBI assistant director said alleged criminal acts by the former boss of fashion giant Abercrombie & Fitch and his British partner occurred "in multiple countries worldwide".
James Dennehy, assistant director of the FBI's New York Field Office told a press conference in Brooklyn, New York: "Today's indictment highlights the abhorrent behaviour of Michael Jeffries, Matthew Smith and James Jacobson.
"What's alleged in the indictment is not only beyond disturbing, dishonourable and disgraceful, but simply put, it's criminal.
"In short, these individuals are charged with running a prostitution and international sex trafficking business, using a combination of force, fraud and coercion to induce victims into participating in their illegal operations.
"The alleged behaviour occurred here in New York City and in multiple countries worldwide.
"The defendants allegedly preyed on the hopes and dreams of their victims by exploiting, abusing and silencing them to fulfil their own desires with insidious secret intentions."
Jeffries, his partner Matthew Smith and a third man, Jim Jacobson, will have their initial court appearances in Florida and Minnesota, then will be arraigned in New York.
