Former Abercrombie & Fitch CEO Mike Jeffries pleaded not guilty to sex trafficking charges, including 15 counts of prostitution. He remains free on a $10 million bond, while the retailer expresses its "appalled" stance and faces a drop in shares.
Mike Jeffries, the former CEO of Abercrombie & Fitch, pleaded not guilty on Friday to charges of running an international sex trafficking scheme while leading the retailer.
Jeffries, 80, who held the position from 1992 to 2014, entered his plea to one count of sex trafficking and 15 counts of prostitution before U.S. Magistrate Judge Steven Tiscione in Suffolk County, New York. He is free on a $10 million bond, secured by his Fishers Island home, but is under home confinement with GPS monitoring.
James Jacobson, an associate of Jeffries, also pleaded not guilty to the same charges and faces similar bail conditions. Jeffries' partner, Matthew Smith, has been ordered detained and will plead later to the same 16 charges.
Prosecutors allege the scheme ran from 2008 to 2015, claiming Jacobson recruited men under the pretense of modeling jobs to fulfill the sexual desires of Jeffries and Smith.
Victims reportedly faced coercion, including forced alcohol and drug consumption, and were made to sign nondisclosure agreements. Prosecutors identified 15 victims, with the defendants facing potential prison sentences of 15 years to life for sex trafficking and up to 20 years for interstate prostitution.
Jeffries and Jacobson's next court appearance is set for December 12.
Following the charges, Abercrombie stated it was "appalled and disgusted" by the accusations and emphasized its commitment to a values-driven organization since Jeffries' departure. Abercrombie's shares have dropped 11% since the charges were announced.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for February 22nd, covering the latest developments you need to know.
Australia has accused China of failing to provide sufficient notice ahead of a live-fire naval drill between Australia and New Zealand, forcing airlines to alter flight paths. Defence Minister Richard Marles described the lack of communication as “disconcerting” for commercial aviation.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Kenyan President William Ruto have called for an immediate ceasefire in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) amid escalating violence. Their appeal follows the capture of key cities by the Rwanda-backed M23 rebel group.
U.S. negotiators have reportedly raised the possibility of cutting Ukraine’s access to Elon Musk’s Starlink satellite internet system as part of pressure to secure a critical minerals deal. The discussions come amid growing tensions between Kyiv and Washington over repayment for wartime aid.
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Hamas has begun releasing six more hostages from Gaza on Saturday in exchange for hundreds of Palestinian prisoners, as Israel confirmed that a body handed over earlier was that of hostage Shiri Bibas.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for February 22nd, covering the latest developments you need to know.
A tragic crowd crush at New Delhi Railway Station on Saturday night left 18 dead and 10 injured as thousands of people, many heading to the Kumbh Mela festival, attempted to board delayed trains. The incident highlights the ongoing risks of overcrowding at public transportation hubs in India.
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Michael G. Wilson, and Barbara Broccoli, long term producers of the British spy thriller James Bond have stepped down from their respective positions.
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As US-Russia peace talks advance, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy intensifies diplomatic efforts, holding discussions with multiple world leaders to rally support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and regional security.
Hamas has begun releasing six more hostages from Gaza on Saturday in exchange for hundreds of Palestinian prisoners, as Israel confirmed that a body handed over earlier was that of hostage Shiri Bibas.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for February 22nd, covering the latest developments you need to know.
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