Former Abercrombie & Fitch CEO, Mike Jeffries, has been arrested in a high-profile sex trafficking case, marking a dramatic fall from grace for the fashion mogul. Jeffries, alongside two associates, faces serious charges related to sex trafficking and interstate prostitution, as announced by prosecutors on Tuesday.
Jeffries, who once led the iconic clothing brand from 1992 to 2014, was apprehended in West Palm Beach, Florida. Joining him in this scandal are Matthew Smith, a West Palm Beach resident, and James Jacobson from Wisconsin. The trio appeared in court in Florida, with arraignment scheduled later in the Eastern District of New York.
Federal prosecutors have laid out alarming accusations in a detailed indictment. Jeffries, Smith—who is also his romantic partner—and Jacobson are charged with running an international sex trafficking and prostitution ring between 2008 and 2015. The indictment claims they organized “sex events” in glamorous locations such as New York, England, France, Italy, Morocco, and St. Barts, using deceptive and coercive tactics to exploit their victims.
Allegedly, the men targeted by the operation were misled into believing they could secure modeling contracts or boost their careers by attending these events. Those who refused to comply were threatened with the potential harm to their professional aspirations.
Reports indicate that male attendees at these events were required to sign non-disclosure agreements and relinquish their personal belongings, including wallets and cell phones. The indictment further claims that Jeffries and his associates hired staff to facilitate these gatherings, providing partygoers with alcohol, drugs like poppers, and other materials.
U.S. Attorney Breon Peace emphasized the scale of the operation, revealing that millions of dollars were spent maintaining the enterprise, including staff salaries and the secrecy of these sex events. Peace highlighted how some men were pressured into commercial sex acts during a “tryout” phase and that coercion often played a role in the events.
In some cases, men were reportedly subjected to invasive sexual and violent acts without their consent. “Powerful individuals have exploited and abused vulnerable young men under the guise of career opportunities,” said Peace, issuing a stark warning to those in the fashion and entertainment industries who rely on exploitation.
Following the court appearance, Jeffries was released on a $10 million bond, while Smith remains in custody due to concerns about him being a flight risk. This arrest follows a BBC News investigation from 2023 that first exposed Jeffries’ alleged exploitation of men at his lavish sex parties.
Attorney Brittany Henderson, representing several victims, called the arrests “monumental” and vowed to continue seeking justice for those who were victimized. Abercrombie & Fitch has distanced itself from Jeffries, expressing shock and outrage over the allegations.
As the investigation continues, authorities are urging additional victims or witnesses to come forward.
This developing story is bound to send shockwaves through the fashion world, with the possibility of further revelations as more details emerge.
