Former Abercrombie & Fitch CEO Mike Jeffries has been charged with sex trafficking and prostitution, following a decade-long investigation.
Mike Jeffries, the former CEO of Abercrombie & Fitch, has been criminally charged with sex trafficking and prostitution, involving numerous men.
The charges were revealed by federal prosecutors in Brooklyn, ten years after Jeffries stepped down from the clothing retailer, a company known for its sexually provocative marketing. The indictment follows a BBC investigation and lawsuit accusing Jeffries of using modeling jobs to lure young men and exploit them through global travel for sexual abuse.
U.S. Attorney Breon Peace, warned that for too long, influential individuals have taken advantage of young people pursuing careers in fashion and entertainment through sexual abuse. Peace added, "To anyone who thinks they can exploit and coerce others by using the so-called casting couch system, this case should serve as a warning: Prepare to trade that couch for a bed in federal prison."
Jeffries, 80, along with his partner Matthew Smith, 61, and James Jacobson, 71, were all charged. They allegedly recruited young men, with the indictment including one count of sex trafficking and 15 counts of interstate prostitution concerning 15 unidentified victims between 2008 and 2015.
If convicted, they could face life sentences, with mandatory minimums of 15 years for the sex trafficking charges. They also face up to 20 years for the interstate prostitution charges.
During their court appearances, Jeffries and Jacobson were released on bonds of $10 million and $500,000, respectively, and are expected to formally enter pleas in a New York federal court. Prosecutors are pushing for home confinement for both men. Smith, however, was detained due to being considered a flight risk, as he holds dual U.S. and British citizenship.
While Jeffries' and Smith’s lawyers did not provide immediate comments, Jeremy Schneider, Jacobson’s lawyer, refrained from commenting. Abercrombie & Fitch also chose not to comment, as the company is not accused of involvement, and Peace confirmed there is no evidence that the alleged crimes took place on its property.
U.S. and Pakistani leaders forecast a Sunday signing of a long-elusive framework agreement to end fighting between the United States and Iran, as Reut...
Senior officials from Azerbaijan and Armenia held a working meeting in Dilijan, Armenia, on 14 June to discuss issues related to the peace agenda betw...
Tajikistan has strengthened its position as one of Central Asia’s fastest-growing economies. According to the European Bank for Reconstruction and D...
The New York Knicks defeated the San Antonio Spurs 94-90 to close out the series 4-1 and claim their first NBA championship since 1973, sparking celeb...
In the runup to the G7 summit, hosted by France in Évian-les-Bains on Monday, 15 June, China has addressed global economic balances in a videoconfer...
Senior officials from Azerbaijan and Armenia held a working meeting in Dilijan, Armenia, on 14 June to discuss issues related to the peace agenda between the two countries.
Tajikistan has strengthened its position as one of Central Asia’s fastest-growing economies. According to the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), the trend is supported by investment activity, industrial expansion and large-scale infrastructure projects.
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has urged Georgia to implement reforms to tackle youth unemployment. Nearly 30 per cent of people aged 15-24 are without a job in the country, according to World Bank data.
British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has pledged to publish the UK government's long-awaited Defence Investment Plan ahead of next month's NATO summit in Ankara, following growing pressure over the UK's military spending commitments.
Pakistan has warned that any attempt by India to block or significantly reduce river flows under the Indus Waters Treaty could have “far-reaching consequences”, after India's water minister said New Delhi was working to ensure that “not a single drop” of water reaches Pakistan in the coming years.
Armenia has every right to choose Europe. But Europe’s support for Armenia’s direction should not become automatic approval of its political process.
U.S. President Donald Trump has said a peace agreement with Iran is scheduled to be signed on Sunday in a post on social media, despite Tehran's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei saying no deal would be approved this weekend.
Japan’s birth rate and fertility levels have fallen to their lowest levels on record, highlighting the country’s worsening demographic crisis as fewer people marry and have children.
The global race to develop quantum computing is accelerating, with governments and technology firms investing heavily in what is expected to become a major new computing era.
British artist David Hockney, one of the most influential figures in contemporary art, has died at age 88, his publicist said on Friday (12 June). He died peacefully at his home in London one month before his 89th birthday.
Thousands of revellers packed Berga's main square as fire-devil performers showered the crowd with sparks during Catalonia's UNESCO-listed La Patum festival.
The 79th Annual Tony Awards took place on Sunday (7 June) at Radio City Music Hall, celebrating the strongest performances of the Broadway season, with singer-songwriter P!nk hosting and delivering the opening performance alongside a host of musical guests.
Barcelona is preparing to mark a historic milestone in the legacy of architect Antoni Gaudí as Pope Leo XIV visits the city this week to inaugurate the Tower of Jesus Christ at the Sagrada Família basilica, almost exactly 100 years after the visionary architect’s death.
Marjane Satrapi, the Iranian-French artist, filmmaker and author best known for the acclaimed graphic novel Persepolis, has died at the age of 56, the French presidency announced on Thursday.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment