Mike Jeffries, the former CEO of Abercrombie & Fitch, recently entered a not guilty plea to charges of sex trafficking and interstate prostitution. The plea was submitted by his lawyers during a hearing in a New York federal court on Long Island, where Jeffries appeared in a navy blue suit, maintaining a stoic expression.
In the courtroom, James Jacobson, who is alleged to be a middleman in these activities, sat just a row behind Jeffries and also pleaded not guilty shortly after. Jeffries’ partner, Matthew Smith, who faces similar charges, is expected to appear in court at a later date.
Federal prosecutors allege that the men utilized force, fraud, and coercion to engage in what they describe as “violent and exploitative” sexual acts. The investigation into Jeffries by the FBI began last year after a BBC report uncovered multiple allegations from men claiming they were sexually abused at events hosted by Jeffries and Smith in their New York residences and various hotels worldwide.
During a brief 10-minute hearing, Judge Steven Tiscione ordered that Jeffries be placed under house arrest, allowing him limited outings for medical appointments, legal consultations, and religious services. He secured a $10 million bond using his Fisher Island home in New York as collateral, a decision that required agreement from his wife, Susan, who co-owns the property. The judge made sure she understood the implications, confirming that their home could be foreclosed if Jeffries failed to appear in court.
David Bradberry, one of the alleged victims who previously spoke to the BBC about the abuse, was present in the courtroom as the charges against Jeffries were read. Following the hearing, Jeffries did not respond to reporters’ questions and left the courthouse in a black SUV.
According to prosecutors, Jeffries and his partner exploited “dozens” of vulnerable young men pursuing careers in fashion and modeling, allegedly abusing them between 2008 and 2015. The indictment lists 15 unnamed victims. If convicted, they could face life in prison for sex trafficking and up to 20 years for interstate prostitution.
U.S. Attorney Breon Peace stated that Jeffries purportedly spent a considerable amount of money to facilitate these acts, employing staff and security for the events. Peace further claimed that Jacobson was hired to recruit young men, who were then flown to various locations and pressured to consume alcohol and drugs, including Viagra.
The BBC’s initial investigation revealed a complex operation involving Jacobson, who was identified as the recruiter for these events. The inquiry has led to at least 12 men coming forward with allegations against Jeffries and Smith. Recently, more accounts surfaced, with individuals claiming they were injected with substances without their consent.
In response to the allegations, Abercrombie & Fitch announced it was conducting an independent investigation. Jeffries, who served as CEO from 1992 until 2014, stepped down amid declining sales and left with a retirement package valued at approximately $25 million. He is scheduled to appear in court again on December 12.
