The former CEO of Abercrombie & Fitch, Mike Jeffries, alongside his partner Matthew Smith, has been arrested on serious charges related to sex trafficking and prostitution. The arrests took place on Tuesday morning and also included James Jacobson, who is alleged to have acted as a middleman in the operation.
Federal prosecutors have leveled accusations against the trio, asserting that they engaged in a scheme characterized by force, fraud, and coercion, leading to what has been described as “violent and exploitive” sexual acts. The U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, Breon Peace, stated that Jeffries utilized his significant wealth, power, and status as a high-profile fashion executive to exploit men for his and Smith’s sexual gratification.
According to the allegations, Jacobson was employed by Jeffries and Smith as a recruiter. His role involved conducting “tryouts” with men from various parts of the world, where these individuals were engaged in sexual acts in exchange for monetary compensation. After obtaining Jeffries’ approval, successful candidates were reportedly flown to the couple’s residence in New York.
Once at the New York location, the men allegedly faced pressure to consume alcohol, Viagra, and muscle relaxants. Prosecutors have claimed that in some instances, Jeffries and Smith directed or personally administered injections of substances designed to induce erections to those who were either unwilling or unable to participate in the activities.
Federal authorities have indicated that Jeffries invested millions of dollars into establishing a comprehensive infrastructure to facilitate and conceal this operation. This included funding for international travel, accommodations, paid personnel, and security arrangements for the illicit events.
The indictment mentions 15 victims but suggests that the operation may have affected many more individuals. During a press conference, U.S. Attorney Peace emphasized the gravity of the situation, warning that those involved could face severe legal repercussions.
The investigation by the FBI was reportedly initiated last year, following media reports that highlighted claims of sexual exploitation and abuse at events hosted by Jeffries and Smith in New York and various international locations. A previous investigation by a prominent news outlet uncovered details of a sophisticated operation that involved a network of recruiters tasked with identifying men for these events.
Prosecutors have confirmed that the investigation was significantly influenced by these media reports, which brought attention to the alleged activities of Jeffries and his partner. Following the revelations, a civil lawsuit was also filed in New York, further complicating the legal landscape for the accused.
Jeffries and Smith have consistently denied any wrongdoing through their legal representatives. In a statement, Jeffries’ attorney indicated that they would provide a detailed response to the allegations once the indictment is formally unsealed.
This case has drawn widespread attention due to the high-profile nature of the individuals involved and the serious nature of the allegations. As the legal proceedings unfold, many are watching closely to see how the situation develops and what implications it may have for the broader fashion industry.
As the investigation continues, authorities are likely to delve deeper into the operations surrounding Jeffries and Smith, potentially uncovering more details about the alleged trafficking network and the individuals involved.
