Mike Jeffries, the former CEO of Abercrombie & Fitch, has been arrested on charges of sex trafficking and interstate prostitution, according to prosecutors. The arrest took place in West Palm Beach, Florida, where Jeffries was detained alongside two associates, Matthew Smith from West Palm Beach and James Jacobson from Wisconsin.
The trio is scheduled to appear in federal court today in both Florida and Wisconsin, with further arraignment set for a later date in the Eastern District of New York. Each faces a single count of sex trafficking and 15 counts of interstate prostitution related to 15 alleged victims.
A federal indictment claims that Jeffries, Smith—who is identified as Jeffries’ romantic partner—and Jacobson, described as a recruiter, operated an “international sex trafficking and prostitution business” between 2008 and 2015. The indictment alleges that they organized “sex events” across multiple locations, including England, France, Italy, Morocco, St. Barts, and New York.
The events reportedly employed coercive, fraudulent, and deceptive tactics for the recruitment and solicitation of men to engage in commercial sex. According to the indictment, men were led to believe participation could enhance their modeling careers, creating an environment where non-compliance was implied to be detrimental to their professional aspirations. Participants were required to sign non-disclosure agreements and surrender personal items like wallets and cell phones during these events.
The indictment further details how Jeffries, Smith, and Jacobson allegedly employed a select group of household staff to facilitate the sex events. This staff provided various items, including alcohol, muscle relaxants known as “poppers,” lubricants, Viagra, and condoms. Payments to the men for attending the events were allegedly made by either Jacobson or the staff.
Breon Peace, the U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, held a press conference where he outlined the charges against the trio. Peace stated that Jeffries and Smith spent millions on their sex trafficking enterprise, covering costs for staff, travel, and maintaining secrecy. The operation reportedly utilized a referral system, where potential participants were not informed of the events’ true nature before attending. During interviews, Jacobson allegedly required candidates to engage in sexual acts with him as part of the vetting process.
The indictment also describes how attendees were pressured to consume alcohol and poppers. In disturbing instances, Peace noted that there were occasions when men were unable to consent, leading Jeffries and Smith to engage in non-consensual acts against their will.
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“Powerful individuals have trafficked and abused young people for their sexual pleasure, exploiting their dreams of a successful career in fashion or entertainment,” Peace said, warning that those who think they can exploit others through the “casting couch system” should be prepared for severe consequences.
Prosecutors have requested a $10 million bond for Jeffries, $500,000 for Jacobson, and are seeking to detain Smith pending trial, citing him as a significant flight risk due to his citizenship in the United Kingdom.
The investigation into these allegations was reportedly prompted by media reports. This arrest follows a year after a BBC News report detailed how Jeffries allegedly exploited young men during sex parties he hosted from 2009 to 2015. Some of the individuals interviewed claimed they felt coerced into participating in these events.
Jeffries’ attorney, Brian Bieber, stated that they would respond to the allegations in detail after the indictment is unsealed, emphasizing the intent to do so in court rather than through media channels. Following the BBC report, Abercrombie & Fitch issued a statement expressing their “appall and disgust” at the allegations against Jeffries.
Bieber reiterated the stance of his client on Tuesday, asserting that they would respond appropriately when the time comes.
Following the report, both Abercrombie & Fitch and Jeffries faced a civil lawsuit for allegedly ignoring his misconduct. This lawsuit claims that Jeffries sexually abused multiple men under the pretense of offering coveted modeling contracts.
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Attorney Brittany Henderson, who represents victims from the civil lawsuit, issued a statement saying, “Today’s arrests are monumental for the aspiring male models who were victimized by these individuals.” She added that their pursuit of justice is far from over and expressed hope for holding Abercrombie & Fitch accountable for enabling such behavior.
