Former Abercrombie & Fitch chief Mike Jeffries arrested on federal sex trafficking charges
Abercrombie & Fitch CEO Mike Jeffries, his romantic partner and a third man have been arrested on sex trafficking and interstate prostitution charges
NEW YORK — Former Abercrombie & Fitch CEO Mike Jeffries, his romantic partner and a third man were arrested Tuesday on charges of luring men into sex parties held around the world, sometimes by dangling the promise of modeling for the clothing retailer.
Jeffries, partner Matthew Smith and their employee James Jacobson ran an international sex trafficking and prostitution business from 2008 to 2015, using Jeffries’ status, wealth and a web of household staffers to fulfill the couple's sexual desires and keep it all secret, according to an indictment unsealed in federal court in Brooklyn.
“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,” Brooklyn-based U.S. attorney Breon Peace said at a news conference.
“Sexually exploiting vulnerable human beings is a crime. And doing so by dangling dreams of a future in fashion and modeling is no different,” he added.
The charges follow sexual misconduct allegations, made in lawsuits and the media, from young people who said Jeffries promised modeling work and then pressed them into sex acts.
Jeffries' attorney, Brian Bieber, said by email he would “respond in detail to the allegations after the indictment is unsealed, and when appropriate, but plan to do so in the courthouse — not the media.”
Messages seeking comment were sent to attorneys for Smith and Jacobson.
Jeffries and Smith were arrested in Florida and were due to make an initial court appearance Tuesday afternoon in West Palm
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