Mike Jeffries, the former CEO of Abercrombie & Fitch, has been taken into custody by West Palm Beach, Florida, police on charges of sex trafficking and interstate prostitution.
Jeffries, who led the popular retailer from 1992 to 2014, is accused of engaging in a large-scale trafficking operation alongside associates Matthew Smith and James Jacobson.
According to NBC News, Jeffries was indicted on 16 federal counts, including one count of sex trafficking and 15 counts of international prostitution related to 15 alleged victims.
U.S. Attorney Breon Peace stated that Jeffries and Smith, who were romantic partners, trafficked victims for their own sexual pleasure.
“While Jeffries was the CEO of one of the most recognizable clothing retailers in the world, he was using his power, his wealth, and his influence to traffic men for his own sexual pleasure and that of his romantic partner, Matthew Smith,” Peace said during a press conference.
The indictment alleges that Jeffries, Smith, and Jacobson operated an international sex trafficking and prostitution business between December 2008 and March 2015.
Jacobson reportedly served as the recruiter, interviewing and hiring men for commercial sex acts with Jeffries and Smith. Victims were allegedly lured with promises of modeling and career opportunities at Abercrombie & Fitch.
The indictment also claims that Jeffries and Smith hosted drug-fueled “sex events” where victims were provided with muscle relaxants, alcohol, and other substances. Household staff were allegedly hired to supervise these events, and victims were required to sign non-disclosure agreements.
U.S. Attorney Peace emphasized, “The message from today’s prosecution is clear: sexually exploiting vulnerable human beings is a crime… Dangling dreams of a future in fashion or modeling or any other business is no different.”
Jeffries’ lawyer, Brian Bieber, stated that he plans to respond to the allegations in court after the indictment is unsealed. Smith’s lawyer echoed this sentiment.
