Former Abercrombie & Fitch CEO Arrested on Federal Sex Trafficking Charges
(NEW YORK) — Michael Jeffries, the former CEO of Abercrombie & Fitch, along with his romantic partner and another individual, were apprehended on Tuesday on federal charges related to sex trafficking and interstate prostitution. A spokesperson for the federal prosecutors confirmed the arrests.
Specific details about the charges are not yet publicly available. The arrests stem from allegations of sexual misconduct, which were initially raised in civil lawsuits and media reports. These allegations involve young individuals who claim that Jeffries enticed them with promises of modeling opportunities, only to pressure them into engaging in sexual acts.
Jeffries’ attorney, Brian Bieber, responded to the allegations via email, stating that he would provide a detailed response after the indictment is unsealed and when appropriate. He indicated that he would address the allegations in court, rather than through media outlets.
Jeffries and his partner, Matthew Smith, were taken into custody in Florida and are scheduled to appear in court on Tuesday afternoon in West Palm Beach. The third defendant, James Jacobson, was arrested in Wisconsin, though information regarding his court appearance is not readily available.
Legal representation for Smith and Jacobson is currently unknown.
U.S. Attorney Breon Peace, based in Brooklyn, along with officials from the FBI and local law enforcement agencies, are scheduled to hold a press conference later today to address the matter.
Jeffries served as the CEO of Abercrombie & Fitch from 1992 to 2014. The company, headquartered in New Albany, Ohio, declined to comment on the arrest of their former CEO.
A lawsuit filed in New York last year accused Abercrombie of enabling Jeffries to operate a sex-trafficking organization during his 22-year tenure. The lawsuit alleged that Jeffries employed modeling scouts who searched the internet for potential victims, leading to some of these prospective models becoming victims of sex trafficking.
Following a report on similar allegations aired by the BBC last year, Abercrombie stated that they had hired an independent law firm to conduct an investigation into the matter.
The BBC investigation featured accounts from a dozen individuals who described attending events involving sexual acts they claimed were orchestrated by Jeffries and Smith. These events often took place at Jeffries’ New York residence or hotels in London, Paris, and other locations. The BBC report identified Jacobson as an intermediary who recruited individuals for these events.
When the lawsuit was filed in New York last year, Bieber declined to comment on the allegations.
Abercrombie & Fitch traces its origins to a hunting and outdoor goods store established in 1892. By the time Jeffries joined the company a century later, the brand was a relatively unknown retail entity.
Jeffries is credited with transforming Abercrombie & Fitch into a prominent retailer during the turn of the millennium, appealing to a teenage mall culture with its preppy aesthetic. However, this success was not without controversy. Jeffries alienated some customers by publicly stating that the company sought out attractive young individuals who could fit into their clothing.
After the 2008 financial crisis and subsequent recession, A&F’s popularity began to decline. By the time Jeffries left the company, a hedge fund had pressured the board to replace him due to the company’s declining performance.
Despite these challenges, Abercrombie & Fitch has seen a rebound in recent years.