Former Abercrombie & Fitch CEO Involved in ‘Violent’ International Sex Trafficking Operation Using Male Models: Feds
A former Abercrombie & Fitch CEO was arrested Tuesday for his alleged participation in an international sex trafficking operation using male models, according to federal prosecutors.
Mike Jeffries, 80, along with his “romantic partner” Matthew Smith and business associate James Jacobson are accused of recruiting the models for the operation. The three defendants were charged with sex trafficking and interstate prostitution.
Breon Peace — the United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York — said at a news conference in Brooklyn, “To anyone who thinks they can exploit and coerce others by using this so-called casting couch system, this case should serve as a warning: prepare to trade that couch for a bed in federal prison.”
Peace said Jeffries, while he was CEO of Abercrombie and Fitch from 1992 to 2014, used “his power, his wealth, and his influence to traffic men for his own sexual pleasure and that of his romantic partner, Smith.”
Brad Edwards — a civil lawyer representing some of the alleged victims — proclaimed: “These arrests are a huge first step towards obtaining justice for the many victims who were exploited and abused through this sex trafficking scheme that operated for many years under the legitimate cover Abercrombie provided.” (Read more from “Former Abercrombie & Fitch CEO Involved in ‘Violent’ International Sex Trafficking Operation Using Male Models: Feds” HERE)