Former Abercrombie & Fitch CEO Mike Jeffries Arrested in Shocking Sex Trafficking Scandal

Prosecutors announced that Mike Jeffries was arrested Tuesday on charges of sex prostitution and sex trafficking.

 

Jeffries was arrested in West Palm Beach (Florida). Matthew Smith from West Palm Beach, and James Jacobson from Wisconsin were arrested as well in connection with the sex-trafficking charges.

 

The defendants are expected to appear today in Florida and Wisconsin federal courts and will be arraigned at a later time in the Eastern District of New York.

 

Jeffries was CEO of the popular clothing company from 1992 to 2014.

 

Jeffries, Smith, and Jacobson each face a single count of sex trafficking as well as 15 counts of interstate prostitution tied to 15 alleged victims.

 

In a federal indictment, Jeffries, Smith, his romantic companion, and Jacobson — who was described as the recruiter — were accused of operating an “international prostitution and sex-trafficking business” between 2008 and 2015.

 

 

The complaint alleges that the defendants organized “sex parties” for Jeffries, Smith, and “others” in England France, Italy, Morocco St. Barts, and New York. They “used coercive and fraudulent tactics in connection with recruitment, hiring transportation, obtaining and maintaining the men, and soliciting and paying them to engage in commercial sexual activity.”

 

Men who attended these events were allegedly led to believe they could gain modeling opportunities, or that their career would be boosted if they “complied with certain requests during the Sex Events.”

 

During the event, men had to sign nondisclosure agreements as well as surrender their cell phones and wallets.

 

Jeffries and Smith, as well as Jacobson, allegedly hired, paid, and recruited a set of exclusive household staff who were to “facilitate” and “supervise the sex event”. The staff also provided alcohol, Viagra, lubricant, and condoms for Jeffries and Smith, along with the men attending. The indictment stated that either Jacobson or his staff paid men to attend the sex event.

 

Breon Peace (U.S. Attorney, Eastern District of New York) said at a press conference that Jeffries spent millions in the sex-trafficking business, including paying staff and for travel, as well as paying for secrecy.

 

Peace stated that the operation was based on a referral and interview system, where the men who were allegedly preyed on were not informed of the details before they attended. Jacobson would often have candidates perform commercial sex acts before the “tryouts”, according to the indictment.

 

Peace stated that the men were forced to drink poppers and to consent to sexual contact with body parts or other objects. “On more than one occasion, Jeffries or Smith violated these men’s bodily integrity by forcing them to do so or continuing to force them to do so when they refused or could not consent,” Peace added.

 

 

Peace stated that “powerful individuals have abused and trafficked for sexual pleasure, young people who had few resources, in the hope of securing their career in entertainment or fashion.” He warned those who believe they can coerce or exploit by using “the so-called casting couch” system that they “should prepare to trade this couch for a mattress in federal prison.”

 

The prosecution is asking for a bond of $10 million for Jeffries and $500,000 for Jacobson. Smith, a British citizen, poses the “most substantial risk of fleeing” and should be held pending trial.

 

Peace said that his office learned of the crimes via media reports.

 

Jeffries’ arrest follows a BBC News report from last year that claimed Jeffries exploited males at the sex parties that he hosted. The report stated that 12 men had described attending or organizing events that included Jeffries’ partner Matthew Smith and sex acts. These events occurred between 2009 and 2015. BBC interviewed some men who said that they were either exploited or did not participate voluntarily.

 

Brian Bieber was Jeffries’ lawyer at the time and said that Jeffries refused to comment on any reports about his private life. Abercrombie & Fitch stated that the company was “appalled” and “disgusted” by the BBC report.

 

Bieber’s response to Tuesday’s arrest was: “We plan to respond in detail to all allegations once the Indictment has been unsealed and as appropriate. But we will do this in the courtroom — not in the media.”

 

Shortly after that report, Abercrombie & Fitch and Jeffries were sued for allegedly turning a blind eye to Jeffries’ alleged misconduct. That civil suit alleged he sexually abused numerous men after luring them with the promise of coveted modeling contracts.

 

Brittany Henderson who represents victims in the class action lawsuit said Tuesday that “Today’s arrested are monumental for aspiring male models”

 

The statement stated that “their fight for justice doesn’t end here.” Abercrombie & Fitch must be held accountable for this horrible conduct.

 

Peace responded that the investigation continues and encouraged victims or witnesses to come forward.