Brooklyn, NY — Former Abercrombie & Fitch CEO Mike Jeffries, along with his partner Matt Smith and associate Jim Jacobson, was arrested on Tuesday as part of a federal investigation into an alleged international sex trafficking and prostitution operation. The arrests were made by the FBI and federal prosecutors in Brooklyn, following an indictment that outlines disturbing allegations against the trio.
According to the indictment, Jeffries, Smith, and Jacobson ran a sophisticated network that recruited young men for sex parties both in the U.S. and abroad. Utilizing Jeffries’ substantial financial resources and influence as a former CEO, the group is accused of creating a clandestine business aimed at fulfilling their sexual desires while maintaining secrecy.
The indictment reveals that the defendants paid numerous men to travel internationally for sexual encounters, with 15 individuals identified as victims in the case. Prosecutors allege that Jeffries and Smith employed a range of household staff to facilitate and oversee these “Sex Events.” Jacobson is accused of conducting interviews with potential recruits, requiring them to engage in sexual acts with him during what he termed “tryouts.”
Many of the alleged victims were reportedly coerced into participating under the false pretense of modeling opportunities with Abercrombie. The indictment suggests that some were led to believe that failure to comply with the defendants’ demands could jeopardize their careers.
The trio faces multiple charges, including sex trafficking and interstate prostitution, and is expected to make court appearances in Florida and Wisconsin before being arraigned in Central Islip, Long Island.
In a statement to ABC News, attorneys for Jeffries and Smith indicated they would respond to the allegations in court, rather than through the media. Abercrombie & Fitch and Jacobson’s attorney declined to comment on the matter.
Federal authorities acknowledged the investigation in January, following a civil lawsuit filed by alleged victims. The lawsuit claims that Jeffries has a history of exploiting young men at parties held at his various properties, including his Hamptons estate and locations in London and Venice.
One plaintiff, David Bradberry, a former crew member from the reality series “Below Deck,” accused Jeffries of fostering a culture of oversexualization at Abercrombie, asserting that the brand’s success was built on exploiting young male models.
Attorney Brad Edwards, representing the plaintiffs, stated, “This was an Abercrombie-run, sex trafficking organization that permeated throughout the company, allowing the three individuals arrested today to victimize countless aspiring models.”
As this case unfolds, the allegations against Jeffries and his associates mark a significant chapter in the ongoing scrutiny of powerful figures in the fashion industry and their treatment of vulnerable individuals.