Abercrombie & Fitch Chief Executive Officer Michael Jeffries has been charged with a 16-count indictment for sex trafficking and engaging in interstate prostitution. Authorities arrested Jeffries as well as his partner Matthew Smith and the couple's alleged middle man James Jacobson. Federal prosecutors said the men used force, fraud and coercion to engage in "violent and exploitive" sexual acts.
Breon Pearce, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, James E. Dennehy, Assistant Director in Charge, New York Field Office (FBI) and Thomas G. Donlon, Interim Commissioner, New York City Police Department (NYPD), announced the arrests and charges.
"As alleged in the indictment, former CEO of Abercrombie Michael Jeffries, his partner Matthew Smith and their recruiter James Jacobson used their money and influence to prey on vulnerable men for their own sexual gratification,” stated United States Attorney Peace. “Today’s arrests show that my Office and our law enforcement partners will not rest until anyone who engages in sex trafficking or interstate prostitution, regardless of their wealth or power, is brought to justice."
Last year the FBI opened an investigation after receiving claims from BBC that stated Jeffries and his partner exploited and abused men at New York residences and hotels around the world. The indictment alleges that Jeffries, Smith and Jacobson used coercive, fraudulent and deceptive tactics in connection with their sex trafficking and prostitution venture. Many of the victims, at least one of whom was as young as 19 years old, were financially vulnerable and aspired to become models in the fashion industry. Some victims recruited by the defendants had previously worked at Abercrombie stores or had modeled for the clothing line.
If convicted of the sex trafficking charge, the defendants each face a maximum sentence of life imprisonment and a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years’ imprisonment. If convicted of the interstate prostitution charges, the defendants face a maximum sentence of 20 years’ imprisonment.
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