Former Abercrombie CEO out on $10m bond amid sex-trafficking investigation

Former Abercrombie & Fitch CEO Mike Jeffries was taken into custody on Tuesday amid a federal investigation into sex trafficking, as reported by prosecutors, the FBI in Brooklyn, and the New York Police Department.

Officials claim that Jeffries, along with his British associate Matthew Smith and another individual, Jim Jacobson, operated an "international sex trafficking ring" that pressured numerous men into engaging in sexual activities, frequently under the false pretense of securing modeling opportunities with a clothing company.

“At a recent press conference regarding the charges against Jeffries, Smith, and Jacobson, Brooklyn’s U.S. Attorney Breon Peace stated, ‘For far too long, influential figures have exploited and mistreated vulnerable young individuals, who often lack resources and are striving to achieve their aspirations of a successful career in fashion or entertainment.'”

“To anyone who believes they can take advantage of others through the so-called casting couch method – let this case be a cautionary tale,” Peace stated. “Get ready to swap that couch for a prison cell.”

prosecutors reported that 15 individuals stepped forward to claim that the men operated a global sex trafficking ring between late 2008 and 2015. They stated that these victims were transported worldwide to luxury hotels in locations such as London, Italy, and St. Bart's, as well as to Jeffries' residences in New York City and the upscale Hamptons on Long Island.

According to investigators, Jacobson took on the role of the recruiter, frequently pressuring men to undergo sexual "auditions" before introducing them to Smith and Jeffries.

The couple would select men to attend their sex parties, sometimes pressuring them to consume alcohol or take medications like Viagra for erectile dysfunction, as well as muscle relaxants commonly referred to as “poppers.” Occasionally, Jeffries and Smith would also inject the men with a substance meant to induce erections against their will.

Prosecutors stated that the former CEO and his associate invested millions into the business. This included covering Jacobson's salary, employing personnel for sexual events, booking hotel rooms, and purchasing tickets for both domestic and international trips.

"During that time, the accused brought on board numerous individuals and sent them to New York and various locations worldwide," Peace stated. He also noted that Jeffries and Smith invested millions in building a large network to facilitate this operation and keep it hidden, including spending hundreds of thousands in cash on commercial sex activities.

The charges were brought after eight men revealed in a 2023 BBC investigation that they had been taken advantage of and enlisted for sexual events by the ex-fashion executive. Federal prosecutors initiated their investigation in January 2024, in response to a civil lawsuit filed by the victims the previous year.

David Bradberry, one of the individuals suing in the civil case, claimed that Jeffries pressured models into using drugs and participating in sexual activities to have a shot at being featured in Abercrombie catalogs. He also alleged that the company made payments to individuals who had accused Jeffries of sexual misconduct or harassment.

Jeffries was at the helm of Abercrombie from 1992 to 2014, transforming it into a popular brand for teenage clothing, recognized for its stores filled with strong fragrances and advertisements featuring partially clothed models. He stepped down from his position after facing backlash over his inability to adapt to the evolving preferences of young consumers.

Brad Edwards, Bradberry's lawyer from the Edwards Henderson law firm, expressed to ABC News, “Our lawsuit clearly demonstrates that Abercrombie operated a sex trafficking ring within the company, which enabled the three people arrested today to exploit numerous young male models who aspired to break into the industry.”

The recent federal criminal charges against Jeffries, Smith, and Jacobson are similar to the allegations that were initially made in civil court. These include claims that Jeffries took advantage of young men for sexual purposes from 2009 to 2015 in various cities across the globe. Some individuals have reported experiences of abuse or having been given drugs against their will. In a legal response to the lawsuit, both Jeffries and his associate have denied all accusations.

Prior to Jeffries' resignation, his time in leadership faced criticism for its exclusive marketing strategy, which targeted only slim and attractive individuals.

"Brian Bieber, an attorney representing Jeffries, informed the Wall Street Journal that they will provide a thorough response to the claims once the indictment is made public and at the right time. However, he emphasized that this response will take place in the courtroom rather than through the media."

Smith's attorneys have not yet replied to requests for comments. A lawyer representing Jacobson was also unavailable for immediate comment.

Jeffries was let go after posting a $10 million bond, Jacobson was released on a $500,000 bond, while Smith remains in custody. They are scheduled to appear in court on Friday.

Peace stated: "I urge anyone who has information regarding this case, including those who may have been victims of the accused's supposed offenses, to reach out to the FBI."

The charges against Jeffries and his fellow defendants are part of a series of notable sex trafficking cases that federal prosecutors in New York City have been actively investigating in recent years. Other cases include accusations against music mogul Sean Combs and the late Jeffrey Epstein, who was a disgraced financier and a convicted sex offender.