Former CEO of Abercrombie & Fitch, Michael Jeffries, is set to face arraignment on federal charges related to sex trafficking and prostitution across state lines. This court appearance is scheduled for Friday in Central Islip, New York. Prosecutors have asserted that over the span of nearly two decades, Jeffries, along with his romantic partner and another accomplice, allegedly enticed men to participate in sex parties by promising them modeling opportunities tied to the well-known retailer, which once thrived on an image of preppy, All-American style, often highlighted by shirtless models.
These serious allegations outline that approximately 15 unidentified victims were coerced through “force, fraud and coercion” to partake in lavish drug-filled sexual gatherings in locations that included New York, as well as countries such as England, France, Italy, Morocco, and St. Barts, between 2008 and 2015. According to the indictment, during these gatherings, attendees were often instructed to don costumes, utilize sexual aids, and even received painful injections intended to induce erections.
The charges against Jeffries reflect previous accusations of misconduct reported in the media and related to a civil case involving him, following his departure from Abercrombie in 2014. Ahead of the Friday court session, Jeffries’ lawyer did not respond to requests for comments regarding the upcoming arraignment in federal court on Long Island, where Jeffries is anticipated to plead in response to the charges.
Additionally, one of the accused, James Jacobson, who is an employee of Jeffries, is also scheduled for arraignment. His attorney has stated that his client intends to plead not guilty, while details around Jeffries’ bond remain noteworthy; he was released on a substantial $10 million bond following a federal court appearance in West Palm Beach, Florida. Meanwhile, his partner, Matthew Smith, has been detained after prosecutors expressed concerns about his risk of fleeing, given his dual citizenship in the U.S. and the UK.
Jacobson, accused of recruiting individuals for the sex gatherings, was arrested in Wisconsin, subsequently appearing in federal court in St. Paul, Minnesota, where he was granted a $500,000 bond.
Michael Jeffries became the CEO of Abercrombie & Fitch in 1992 and was instrumental in transforming the company from a hunting and outdoor retail business, established in Manhattan in 1892, into a significant player in youth mall culture during the early 2000s.
Following the reported arrests and allegations, Abercrombie issued a statement via Instagram expressing their shock and dismay regarding the claims made against Jeffries and his associates. The Ohio-based retailer, which also owns Hollister, remarked on how they have significantly evolved their branding and corporate culture since Jeffries’ exit, including the cessation of using sexualized imagery in promotional materials and discontinuing the term “models” for store employees. The company also mentioned that they commissioned an independent investigation into similar allegations last year.
In their statement, Abercrombie emphasized the challenges victims face when coming forward and extended their support to those who bravely participated in the ongoing federal inquiry. They reiterated their unwavering stance against any form of abuse, harassment, or discrimination, and expressed their commitment to collaborate fully with the legal system as the proceedings advance.