Former Abercrombie & Fitch CEO Mike Jeffries charged with sex trafficking
Reuters
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.
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