Mike Jeffries is in custody of West Palm Beach, Florida police. Former Abercrombie & Fitch CEO is accused of participating in sex trafficking and prostitution across state lines according to NBC News. He worked for the famous retailer from 1992 to 2014.
The police not only arrested Mike on Tuesday, October 22. His associates, Matthew Smith And James Jacobson is also being detained by the police for involvement in human trafficking crimes. All three men were reported to appear in federal court in Florida on Tuesday.
Ultimately, Mike Jeffries was indicted on 16 federal counts of international sex trafficking and prostitution, according to CNN. NBC reported that there was one count of human trafficking and 15 other counts involving 15 victims. Matt and James were also indicted on Tuesday, CNN reported.
Breon Peace, district attorney for the Eastern District of NY, said Tuesday that Mike Jeffries and Matthew were romantic partners who traded for their own gratification.
“While Jeffries was the CEO of one of the world’s most famous clothing retailers, he used his power, wealth and influence over human traffickers to achieve his own sexual pleasure and that of his romantic partner, Matthew Smith,” Breon said. Peace said in a press conference.
Here’s what prosecutors allege Mike Jeffries did
The indictment alleges that Mike, Matthew and James all operated an “international sex trafficking and prostitution business” between December 2008 and March 2015. James, in particular, was “a recruitment” of the group, according to CNN. He was supposed to interview and hire men to perform commercial sex acts for Mike and Matt. Additionally, he allegedly sometimes asked men to “try it out” by engaging in actions with him first.
The romantic partners allegedly organized drug-fueled “sexual events” during the period described. The victim is believed to have been given muscle relaxants such as poppers. In addition, events provide alcohol, lubricants, Viagra, condoms, sex toys and other items for activities. Mike and Matt also reportedly hired private household staff to monitor sexual events and required non-disclosure agreements to be signed.
Furthermore, the indictment alleges that these men lured victims with the promise of modeling jobs and career opportunities at Abercrombie & Fitch and often targeted heterosexual men. Not only that, Mike Jeffries and Matthew are also accused of taking advantage of the retail company’s network of employees, contractors and security experts to operate a human trafficking ring.
Additionally, the indictment alleges that the couple paid men to travel within the United States and other countries to engage in sexual acts. Those locations include the Hamptons and New York City as well as hotels in England, France, Italy, Morocco and Saint Barthélémy.
U.S. Attorney Peace said: “The message from today’s prosecution is clear: the sexual exploitation of vulnerable people is a crime when done so by nurturing dreams of a better future. It is no different in fashion, modeling or any other business.”
What happens next?
Mike’s attorney, Brian Bieber, said he plans to answer in court about the charges once the indictment is sealed. Smith’s lawyer reportedly shared a similar message on Tuesday.
Mike Jeffries’ sex trafficking charges follow another similar high-profile case also based in New York. Last month, federal agents made an arrest Sean ‘Diddy’ Comb at a hotel in New York on charges of sex trafficking and transportation for prostitution. Earlier this month, a judge Start your testing until 2025. He remains behind bars in Brooklyn, New York City. Most recently, his sons and daughters wrote a public message expressing their support for him.
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