ex-Abercrombie CEO Mike Jeffries charged with sex trafficking

Mike Jeffries, the former CEO of Abercrombie & Fitch, was arrested in West Palm Beach on sex trafficking charges, along with his partner Matthew Smith. The 80-year-old is accused of creating fake job interviews to sexually assault male models. He allegedly used his influential position at the American retailer to exploit young models.

Jeffries grew up in Los Angeles, where his father owned a chain of party supply stores. Reflecting on his childhood in a 2006 interview, he recalled urging his parents to expand their business. He expressed a passion for growth and innovation from a young age.

Jeffries became the CEO of Abercrombie & Fitch in 1996, leading the company to initial success. However, his tenure was marred by multiple scandals. In 2002, the company faced criticism over racist T-shirts and suggestive thongs marketed to pre-teen girls. A year later, former employees sued the company for racial discrimination, resulting in a $40 million settlement without an admission of guilt.

Former Abercrombie CEO Mike Jeffries charged with sex trafficking, interstate prostitution.🤔Had to comment. I used to get the "clothing" mag thru mail. Noticed models/posing, it was going toward light (if that's a thing) porn, I showed my family, covers and pages was too much! pic.twitter.com/j8wM71hz2W

Related Articles

• 
  California bird flu cases in farm workers likely underestimated

  1 day ago
• 
  EU leaders plan deadlines to boost single market and energy union

  1 day ago

— Sumner (@renmusb1) October 23, 2024

In a controversial 2006 interview, Jeffries stated, “We go after the cool kids. We go after the attractive all-American kid with a great attitude and a lot of friends. Are we exclusionary? Absolutely.” This statement drew significant backlash.

Jeffries stepped down as CEO in 2014 amid reports of declining sales, having been removed as chairman the previous year. He remained out of the public eye until 2023, when allegations of sexual assault and sex trafficking emerged. An investigation by the BBC uncovered allegations from several men who claimed Jeffries sexually exploited them. Two former US prosecutors reviewed the documents and testimonies, calling for an investigation into potential sex trafficking charges.

Jeffries was arrested recently, along with two others. Attorney Brittany Henderson stated, “Today’s arrests are monumental for the aspiring male models victimized by these individuals. Their fight for justice does not end here. We look forward to holding Abercrombie & Fitch liable for facilitating this terrible conduct and ensuring it cannot happen again.”

Matthew Smith, 61, Jeffries’ partner, and James Jacobson, 71, were also indicted. They are charged with one count of sex trafficking and 15 counts of interstate prostitution, involving 15 unnamed victims.

If convicted, Jeffries and his co-defendants face possible life sentences, with a mandatory minimum of 15 years for the sex trafficking charges. They could also receive up to 20 years each for interstate prostitution charges.