Mike Jeffries, the former CEO of fashion brand Abercrombie & Fitch (A&F), and his British partner have been arrested and are facing sex trafficking charges.
NBC News report Jeffries was arrested in West Palm Beach, Florida. Two other employees, Matthew Smith of West Palm Beach and James Jacobson of Wisconsin, were also arrested on human trafficking charges related to youth and sex parties.
Both men appeared in federal court in Florida and Wisconsin on Tuesday and are scheduled to be arraigned in the Eastern District of New York at a later date.
Jeffries was CEO of the popular clothing brand from 1992 to 2014, when he stepped down with a $25 million severance package.
In this May 22, 2017 file photo, the Abercrombie & Fitch store window on Fifth Avenue in New York reflects a street view. A former Abercrombie & Fitch model was accused of allowing former CEO Mike Jeffries to run a sex trafficking ring during his 22-year tenure at the fashion retailer on Friday, October 27, 2023. sued. (AP Photo/Bebeto Matthews, file)
As Breitbart News reported, news of his arrest comes a year after an explosive BBC News report alleging Jeffries exploited men at sex parties he hosted.
The report said 12 men attended or hosted events involving sex acts for Jeffries and his partner Matthew Smith between 2009 and 2015. It is said that this was done.
Some of the men who spoke to the BBC said they were exploited or did not participate willingly.
Attorneys for Mr. Jeffries and Mr. Smith have previously denied any wrongdoing by them.
Regarding the latest news, Jeffries' lawyer says: said BBC: “Once the indictment is unsealed, we will respond in detail to the allegations if necessary, but in court rather than in the media.”
