Former Abercrombie CEO Arrested in Sex Trafficking Scandal

Mike Jeffries, the former CEO of Abercrombie & Fitch (A&F), has been arrested alongside his partner, Matthew Smith, and an alleged accomplice, James Jacobson, for their involvement in a prostitution and international sex trafficking operation. Prosecutors have charged the trio with using coercion and deception to exploit vulnerable men for sexual acts.

The arrests were made early Tuesday morning, following an investigation that was reportedly spurred by a BBC report detailing allegations of sexual exploitation linked to Jeffries and his partner. Intelsat confirmed that the men engaged in “violent and exploitive” sexual activities, prompting federal authorities to take action.

While Jeffries and Smith have consistently denied any wrongdoing through their legal representatives, they are now facing serious allegations. Jeffries’ attorney stated that they would provide a detailed response to the charges once the indictment is officially unsealed. A&F has opted not to comment on the situation.

The investigation began last year when the FBI was alerted to claims that Jeffries and Smith were involved in sexually abusive behavior at events they hosted in their New York residences and other international locations. According to the prosecution, a sophisticated operation was revealed, involving Jacobson as a middleman responsible for recruiting men to participate in these events.

US Attorney Breon Peace stated that Jeffries exploited his wealth and position as the former CEO of A&F to “traffic men for his own sexual pleasure.” He outlined that Jacobson conducted “tryouts” with potential recruits, engaging them in sexual acts in exchange for money. Once approved by Jeffries, these men were flown to New York, where they were pressured to consume drugs, including Viagra and muscle relaxants.

Further allegations indicate that Jeffries and Smith either directed or personally administered injections to men who were unwilling or unable to participate. Prosecutors asserted that Jeffries invested millions to maintain the secrecy of this operation, which encompassed international travel, hotel accommodations, and staffing.

While the indictment lists 15 specific victims, it is believed that the actual number of individuals involved could be much higher, encompassing “dozens and dozens of men.” Following their court appearance, Jeffries was released on a $10 million bond, Jacobson on a $500,000 bond, and Smith has been ordered to remain in custody.

Breon Peace confirmed that media reports initially tipped off authorities to this case. In addition to the criminal charges, a civil lawsuit has been filed in New York, accusing Jeffries and Smith of sex trafficking, rape, and sexual assault, with claims that Abercrombie & Fitch funded this illicit operation during Jeffries’ two-decade tenure as CEO.

Brad Edwards, a civil attorney representing some alleged victims, expressed optimism about the arrests, stating, “These arrests are a huge first step toward obtaining justice for the many victims who were exploited and abused through this sex-trafficking scheme.” He credited the thorough investigative journalism by the BBC for bringing these issues to light.

The BBC’s initial investigation revealed accounts from twelve men who attended or organized events between 2009 and 2015, where they were allegedly exploited. Some reported being misled about the nature of these gatherings, while others were told modeling opportunities awaited them, only to find themselves in compromising situations.

David Bradberry, an aspiring model who attended one of the events, shared a harrowing experience of being pressured to perform sexual acts to meet Jeffries. He described feeling unsafe to voice his discomfort due to the presence of Jeffries’ personal staff, who were overseeing the events.

Following the publication of the initial report, A&F announced an independent investigation into the allegations. However, when asked about the report’s completion or public release, the company declined to comment.

In its defense against the civil lawsuit, A&F has argued that it had no prior knowledge of Jeffries’ alleged activities and has maintained that it opposes sexual abuse. A US court has ruled that A&F must cover Jeffries’ legal defense costs, linking the allegations to his corporate role, which complicates the company’s position.

Jeffries, once one of America’s highest-paid CEOs, resigned from A&F in 2014 amid declining sales, leaving with a retirement package valued at approximately $25 million. His tenure was marred by controversy, including claims of discriminatory practices, extravagant expenses, and questions regarding the influence of his partner, Matthew Smith, within the company.

The unfolding situation poses serious implications for Jeffries, Smith, and the Abercrombie brand, as the investigation continues to reveal disturbing details about their alleged misconduct. As the legal proceedings advance, the case will likely draw increased attention to issues of accountability and corporate governance in the fashion industry.