Ripped jeans are so 1999.
This time, it was khaki shorts, fleece slippers and an ankle monitor for Mike Jeffries, the former president of Abercrombie & Fitch, whom federal prosecutors charged Tuesday with sex trafficking and forced prostitution. He left a Florida courthouse after posting $10 million bail with a security detail and an ankle monitor, according to new photos.
The turn-of-the-century fashion mogul is accused of using his position to lure aspiring male models and sexually abuse them, with prosecutors claiming that if the male models refused his perverted acts, He said he feared his career would be ruined.
Jeffries, 80, and her partner Matt Smith, 61, were arrested Tuesday morning at their West Palm Beach home. A third defendant, James “Mrs. Cook” Jacobson, 71, was taken into custody in St. Paul, Minnesota, authorities said.
Former Abercrombie & Fitch CEO arrested in federal sex trafficking investigation
Mike Jeffries appears in federal court on Tuesday, October 22, 2024, in West Palm Beach, Florida. The former CEO of Abercrombie & Fitch was charged with sex trafficking in federal court and posted $10 million bail. (Mega Agency)
Jeffries appeared to be walking to and from court with his security team, and after posting the bail amount in court, he picked up an ankle monitor, photos first obtained. new york post reveal.
Smith was being held without bail, authorities said. Jacobson was released on $500,000.
Mike Jeffries leaves an office building after being fitted with an ankle monitor on Tuesday, Oct. 22, 2024 in West Palm Beach, Florida. (Mega Agency)
Breon Peace, the U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of New York, said at a news conference Tuesday that prosecutors had identified at least 15 victims between 2008 and 2015, the youngest of whom was 19 years old.
He alleged that the suspects used a “casting couch” system to lure victims and abuse them.
Mike Jeffries, West Palm Beach, Florida, Tuesday, October 22, 2024. (Mega Agency)
He said he believed there may be dozens more. Anyone with information is asked to contact the FBI.
According to a federal criminal complaint, the victims were subjected to humiliating sexual acts and given drugs to force them into a state of arousal when they were “incapacitated” or “unwilling.”
A close-up of the ankle monitor attached to Mike Jeffries on Tuesday, Oct. 22, 2024 in West Palm Beach, Florida. (Mega Agency)
led by jeffries Abercrombie & Fitch From 1992 to 2014, the chain was a preppy clothing mainstay known for its risqué ads that sometimes included completely unclothed models.
“As we shared when the accusations were first made public in October 2023, we are appalled by the alleged conduct of Mr. Jeffries, whose employment with Abercrombie & Fitch ended nearly a decade ago, We are disgusted,” the company said in a statement. Wednesday. “It is never easy to come forward, but we continue to remember those who bravely spoke out as part of this federal investigation.
“For nearly a decade, we have successfully transformed our brand and culture into the values-driven organization we are today. We are fully committed to cooperating with them. The legal process is ongoing.”
Abercrombie & Fitch's padded bikini top for 8-year-olds sparks outcry
”“Jeffrey, Smith, and Jacobson allegedly tried to cover up the crime, and even though they tried to intimidate the victims and require them to sign non-disclosure agreements, their plans failed,” the FBI's new case says. said Deputy Director James Dennehy. York Field Office: “This case is yet another example of individuals using their wealth, power and reputation to manipulate and control others for their own personal gain.”
Abercrombie & Fitch retail store in the Mall of America. (St. Petersburg)
The charges come more than a year after a man sued Jeffries, Smith and the clothing chain, accusing them of a sex-trafficking ring that targeted New York, Morocco, the United Kingdom and France. .
“He used his role as Abercrombie's CEO to prey on attractive young men who Jeffries believed would be hired as Abercrombie models (the pinnacle of the male modeling industry at the time),” the plaintiff said. said the side's lawyer. Civil cases filed in court.
Mike Jeffries, then CEO of Abercrombie & Fitch, attends the opening ceremony on Fifth Avenue in New York City on November 9, 2005. (Michael Loccisano/Film Magic for Paul Willmott Communications/Getty Images)
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A motion to dismiss the civil action is pending. Lawyers for Ms Jeffries' former accusers welcomed news of the arrest.
“We filed this lawsuit because not only is this case meritorious, but it represents one of the most egregious abuses of power we have ever seen,” said Brad Edwards, an attorney for the civil plaintiffs. “These arrests move us on the path to justice and accountability for the many young people exploited and abused by Jeffries and Smith, who used Abercrombie to carry out one of the most organized sex trafficking operations in U.S. history. It's a big step.”
Victims were also asked to contact the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI.
