Mike Jeffries, the former CEO of Abercrombie & Fitch, along with his partner Matt Smith and associate Jim Jacobson, was arrested Tuesday following a federal investigation into allegations of sex trafficking involving over a dozen victims. The FBI and federal prosecutors unveiled a 16-count indictment detailing the trio’s alleged involvement in a sophisticated international sex trafficking and prostitution ring.
The indictment claims that Jeffries, Smith, and Jacobson utilized their substantial financial resources and Jeffries’ influential position at Abercrombie to orchestrate a business focused on satisfying their sexual desires while keeping their operations under wraps. Prosecutors allege that the group paid numerous young men to travel internationally to participate in sexual acts over a span of at least seven years, beginning in late 2008.
The indictment identifies 15 alleged victims, referred to as John Does #1-15, and indicates that many of these young men were misled into believing they would be offered modeling opportunities with Abercrombie, or were coerced into compliance with threats to their careers.
According to the indictment, Jacobson was instrumental in recruiting potential candidates, often subjecting them to “tryouts” that involved sexual acts with him as a precondition for participation in the events. This alarming recruitment strategy raises serious concerns about the exploitation of vulnerable individuals in pursuit of their dreams in the fashion industry.
The defendants face charges of sex trafficking and interstate prostitution and are scheduled to appear in courts in Florida and Wisconsin before being transferred to Central Islip, New York, for arraignment. In response to the allegations, attorneys for Jeffries and Smith stated, “We will respond in detail to the allegations after the indictment is unsealed.”
Jeffries, who led Abercrombie & Fitch from 1992 until 2014, has previously faced accusations of exploiting young men at parties hosted at his luxury properties in locations such as the Hamptons, London, and Venice. A plaintiff in a related civil lawsuit, David Bradberry, claims that Jeffries fostered a culture of “over sexualization” within the company, using it as a facade for predatory behavior.
Brad Edwards, attorney for the plaintiff, described the situation as a “sex trafficking organization” that enabled Jeffries, Smith, and Jacobson to victimize aspiring male models.
U.S. Attorney Breon Peace emphasized the broader implications of this case, stating, “Powerful individuals have for too long trafficked and abused young people with few resources and a dream of success.” Federal prosecutors are encouraging additional victims to come forward as the investigation continues.
This shocking case serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities faced by young individuals in the entertainment and fashion industries, and highlights the need for increased awareness and protection against exploitation.
More Stories
Understanding America’s Regional Patchwork A Guide to the Key Political Areas
The Electoral College Debate A Closer Look at Its Impact on Modern Elections
November’s Unsettling Tropical Outlook Potential Storms Loom in the Atlantic