Ex-Abercrombie CEO Jeffries Denies Sex Trafficking Charges

From the‍ heart of CENTRAL ISLIP, New York, a shocking revelation‍ has emerged. Mike Jeffries, the former chief executive of the renowned clothing brand⁢ Abercrombie & Fitch, has been accused of running an international sex trafficking operation during his tenure‌ at ⁤the company. Despite the severity of the⁤ charges, Jeffries pleaded not guilty in​ court on Friday.

At the ripe age of 80, Jeffries, who was at ‌the helm of Abercrombie ⁣from 1992 to 2014, stood before U.S. Magistrate Judge Steven‌ Tiscione in Central Islip, New York, in Suffolk County, to enter his plea. He‍ faces one count of sex trafficking and 15⁣ counts of prostitution.

Jeffries’ legal⁣ representative, Brian Bieber, entered the ‍plea on behalf of his client. Jeffries, dressed‌ in a navy blue blazer and a light gray‌ shirt, sans tie, maintained ⁣a stoic demeanor throughout the arraignment, his⁣ fingers intertwined as he stared straight⁤ ahead.

Despite the serious charges, Jeffries will remain free on a⁤ $10 million bond, with his residence in Fishers Island, New York, serving as collateral. However, he will be under home confinement with GPS monitoring.

James Jacobson, an associate of Jeffries, also pleaded not guilty to⁤ the same charges through his attorney.‌ His bail conditions mirror those‌ of Jeffries, including home confinement, GPS monitoring, and a $500,000 bond.

Matthew Smith, Jeffries’ partner and a dual U.S.-British citizen, has‌ been ordered detained and will ⁢later plead to the same 16 charges.

According to prosecutors, the alleged scheme was operational from‌ 2008 to 2015. They claim ⁢that Jacobson​ acted as a recruiter, paying men to engage in sexual activities with him, and then ⁢selecting who would⁢ be paid to travel to Manhattan, the⁤ Hamptons, and various international locations to engage ‌in sexual ‍activities with Jeffries⁢ and Smith.

The victims were falsely ‌led to believe that their participation could lead to modeling opportunities. However, prosecutors argue that the true intent of the scheme was to satisfy Jeffries’ and Smith’s sexual ‌desires without​ damaging ⁣Jeffries’ reputation.

The indictment reveals that victims were coerced​ into consuming⁣ alcohol, ​Viagra, and muscle relaxants, using sex toys, and performing sexual acts against their will. They⁣ were also compelled to sign nondisclosure agreements.

Prosecutors have​ identified dozens of victims, including 15 named in the‍ indictment. If convicted of​ sex trafficking, each⁤ defendant could face 15 ⁤years to life in prison, and up to 20 years if convicted of interstate prostitution.

The next court appearance ‍for Jeffries⁣ and Jacobson is scheduled⁣ for Dec. 12.

The charges against Jeffries mirror⁤ those made in a 2023 BBC investigation and private litigation on behalf of Jeffries’ accusers.

Abercrombie, while ‍also sued, has‌ denied⁣ any knowledge of ⁤Jeffries’⁢ alleged misconduct. The New Albany, Ohio-based company was not charged in the criminal case. Lawyers ⁤representing the alleged victims in the civil lawsuit were ⁤not immediately available for comment following Friday’s hearing.

Jeffries is credited with transforming Abercrombie into a popular⁣ clothing brand among teenagers, using provocative, sexually charged marketing that featured semi-nude⁣ models.

However, he resigned amidst declining sales and criticism that he ​was failing to keep up with evolving customer‌ preferences.

Since the charges against Jeffries were made public, Abercrombie’s shares have dropped by⁤ 11%.

In a recent online statement, Abercrombie expressed its disgust and shock⁤ at the accusations against Jeffries, stating that since his departure, the company has “transformed our brands and culture into ‍the ⁣values-driven organization‍ we are today.”