Former Abercrombie & Fitch CEO Mike Jeffries, along with his partner Matt Smith and associate Jim Jacobson, was apprehended on Tuesday as part of a significant investigation into sex trafficking orchestrated by the FBI and federal prosecutors in Brooklyn. The trio is accused of running an international sex trafficking and prostitution ring that allegedly recruited young men for sexual exploitation at parties held both domestically and abroad.
Details of the Allegations
According to the indictment, Jeffries and Smith utilized their considerable financial resources and Jeffries’ influence as the former CEO to establish a covert operation aimed at fulfilling their sexual desires. The indictment claims that they employed a network of employees, contractors, and security personnel to maintain the secrecy of their activities. Prosecutors allege that the defendants paid numerous young men to travel globally for sexual encounters, with 15 individuals identified as victims in the legal documents.
Jacobson is said to have played a crucial role in this operation by traveling across the United States and internationally to recruit potential participants for these so-called “sex events.” Prosecutors assert that during recruitment “tryouts,” Jacobson required candidates to engage in sexual acts with him as part of the selection process.
Coercion and Misleading Promises
The indictment further reveals that many of the men involved were coerced into participating, often under the false pretense that such involvement would lead to modeling opportunities with Abercrombie & Fitch or advance their careers in some way. In some cases, failure to comply with requests during these events was implied to jeopardize their future prospects. This manipulation highlights a disturbing pattern of exploitation within the alleged trafficking operation.
The defendants face serious charges, including sex trafficking and interstate prostitution. They are expected to appear in court in Florida and Wisconsin before being brought to Central Islip, Long Island, New York, for arraignment.
Legal Responses and Company Impact
In response to the allegations, attorneys for Jeffries and Smith released a statement indicating that they would address the charges in court rather than through media channels. “We will respond in detail to the allegations after the Indictment is unsealed,” they stated. Meanwhile, Abercrombie & Fitch has declined to comment on the situation.
Federal prosecutors had previously acknowledged an ongoing investigation back in January after alleged victims filed a civil lawsuit against Jeffries and others involved. This lawsuit detailed accusations of sexual exploitation at lavish parties hosted by Jeffries at his residences in locations such as New York’s Hamptons, London, and Venice.
Historical Context of Allegations
Jeffries, who transformed Abercrombie & Fitch from a traditional outfitter into a leading teen fashion brand during his tenure from 1992 until 2014, has faced accusations in civil lawsuits regarding his treatment of young men. One plaintiff, David Bradberry—a former crew member on the reality series “Below Deck”—asserted that Jeffries built Abercrombie’s success on the “oversexualization of young men.” The lawsuit alleges that attractive young men were lured under the guise of modeling opportunities but were instead subjected to drug use and sexual coercion.
Brad Edwards, an attorney representing one of the plaintiffs, stated, “As we laid out in our lawsuit, this was an Abercrombie-run sex trafficking organization that permeated throughout the company.” This assertion underscores the gravity of the allegations against Jeffries and his associates.
Conclusion
The arrests of Mike Jeffries, Matt Smith, and Jim Jacobson mark a significant moment in an ongoing investigation into sex trafficking that has drawn attention not only for its high-profile nature but also for its implications regarding corporate ethics and accountability. As legal proceedings unfold, many are left questioning how such alleged activities could have remained concealed within an organization known for its influential role in youth fashion culture. Further developments are anticipated as this case progresses through the judicial system.