November 1, 2024/Midnight
Erie Pa.— Former CEO of Abercrombie & Fitch, Micheal Jeffries, was arrested on Oct. 22 along with two other individuals in Florida. According to federal prosecutors, the three defendants were arrested as part of a criminal investigation into an alleged sex trafficking operation involving dozens of victims.
The arrest includes Jeffries, his partner Matthew Smith and an employee named James Jacobson. The three were accused of running an international sex trafficking and prostitution business. According to the indictment filed on Oct. 17, the business was operated from 2008 to 2015 by Jeffries (who was still CEO of Abercrombie during that time), Smith and Jacobson, along with a network of employees, contractors, and security professionals to “fulfill their sexual desires.” Jeffries and Smith were accused of paying for dozens of men to travel within the U.S. and internationally to meet them at various locations, including personal properties and hotels. The purpose was to participate in multiple commercial sex acts or “Sex Events,” as stated in the formal accusation.
Jeffries, Smith, Jacobson, and others were accused of using fraudulent and deceptive tactics to recruit and force victims to commit sexual activities. Additionally, victims were required to engage in sexual activity with Jacobson at any time without advance notice. According to the formal accusation, victims were led to believe that attending Sex Events could benefit their modeling careers. Many of them were financially vulnerable, with at least one victim as young as 19–years–old and some had previously worked for Abercrombie & Fitch. The formal accusation alleges that victims were forced to consume drugs and alcohol, engage in sexual activities against their will, and sign non–disclosure agreements. Entry and exit from the events were strictly controlled by Jeffries’ household staff, ensuring victims could not leave the location without Jeffries and Smith’s consent.
“Today’s formal accusation highlights the alleged abhorrent behavior of Michael Jeffries, Matthew Smith, and James Jacobson. The defendants allegedly preyed on the hopes and dreams of their victims by exploiting, abusing, and silencing them to fulfill their own desires with insidious, secret intentions,” stated FBI Assistant Director in Charge Dennehy. “This case is yet another example of individuals using their wealth, power, or reputation to manipulate and control others for their personal gratification.”
The defendants are charged with sex trafficking and interstate prostitution. Jeffries was released on a $10 million bond, while Jacobson (who was arrested in Minnesota) was released on a $500,000 bond after an arraignment in federal court in St. Paul.
Jeffries was the chairman and CEO of Abercrombie & Fitch from 1992 to 2014. The fashion retailer has faced backlash in recent years for gaining success based on the over–sexualization of young men. In response to the arrest, a spokesperson for Abercrombie & Fitch said, “As we shared when the accusations were first made public in October 2023, we are appalled and disgusted by the alleged behavior of Mr. Jeffries, whose employment with Abercrombie & Fitch Co. ended nearly ten years ago.” The company added, “Speaking up and coming forward is not easy, and our thoughts remain with those who have bravely raised their voices as part of the federal investigation.” The brand also stated it would fully cooperate with law enforcement if needed.
Both Jeffries and Jacobson will be arraigned Friday at the federal courthouse in Central Islip, Long Island. Smith, who holds dual U.S.–British citizenship was ordered detained and will be sent to New York from Florida, where he will be held pending arraignment. According to a press release from the U.S. Attorney’s Office Eastern District of New York, each defendant may face a maximum of life imprisonment if found guilty.
