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The former Abercrombie & Fitch CEO Mike Jeffries was arrested on Tuesday as part of a criminal sex trafficking investigation by federal prosecutors and the FBI in Brooklyn, according to news reports.
Jeffries was arrested with his British partner, Matthew Smith, and a third man, Jim Jacobson, as authorities investigate allegations that the men sexually exploited and abused young men at parties they hosted in the US and around the world. Jeffries and Smith are expected to appear in court later on Tuesday.
Eight men told a 2023 BBC investigation that they had been exploited and recruited for sex events by the former fashion boss. Federal prosecutors began and investigation in January 2024, following a civil suit filed by victims last year.
“As we laid out in our lawsuit, this was an Abercrombie-run, sex trafficking organisation that permeated throughout the company and allowed the three individuals arrested today to victimise dozens and dozens of young, aspiring male models,” the attorney for the plaintiff in the lawsuit, Brad Edwards of the firm Edwards Henderson, told ABC News in a statement.
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Jeffries was accused of exploiting young men for sex between 2009 to 2015 in cities around the world. Some men came forward alleging they were abused or injected with drugs. Jeffries and his partner denied all allegations in a court filing in response to the lawsuit.
He stepped down from his role as CEO of Abercrombie & Fitch in December 2014, retiring from the position and the company’s board of directors. At the time, the company was disappointed with financial results under his leadership. His tenure also drew scrutiny over its exclusionary marketing, focusing on thin, attractive customers.
“We will respond in detail to the allegations after the indictment is unsealed, and when appropriate, but plan to do so in the courthouse – not the media,” Brian Bieber, a lawyer for Jeffries, told the Wall Street Journal.
By Michael Sainato
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Ex-Abercrombie & Fitch CEO Reportedly Under FBI Inquiry for Alleged Sex Crimes
Mike Jeffries and his partner Matthew Smith are being investigated by federal agencies following allegations that they sexually exploited and abused young men at parties they hosted in the US and worldwide.
