Michael Jeffries is the former CEO of Abercrombie & Fitch. He pleaded not guilty on Friday to federal charges of sex trafficking. He also pleaded not guilty to interstate prostitution. The 80-year-old appeared in federal court in Central Islip, Long Island, where his attorney entered the plea on his behalf. Jeffries, who was released on a $10 million bond, is expected to return to court on December 12.
“This hearing was purely procedural. Bond was set to ensure Michael’s appearance in court. As expected, we entered a plea of not guilty,” said Jeffries’ lawyer, Brian Bieber, in an email. He declined further comment on the case’s details.
Federal prosecutors reported that Jeffries, his romantic partner Matthew Smith, and a third man James Jacobson, orchestrated a scheme. They lured men into participating in sex parties by promising potential modeling opportunities with Abercrombie & Fitch. Jacobson, 71, was employed by Jeffries during the alleged incidents. He also pleaded not guilty. Jacobson was released on a $500,000 bond.
The indictment alleges that Jeffries and his associates enticed 15 men into participating in drug-fueled sex parties. They used force, fraud, and coercion. The accusers report being pressured to wear costumes, use sex toys, and endure painful procedures, such as erection-inducing injections. These events allegedly occurred between 2008 and 2015. They spanned locations in New York City, the Hamptons (where Jeffries owns a property), and several international destinations. These destinations include England, France, Italy, Morocco, and St. Barts.
The allegations mirror accusations of sexual misconduct previously reported in the media and detailed in a civil case against Jeffries. He stepped down from Abercrombie & Fitch in 2014 after leading the company for over 20 years.
Jeffries was initially arrested with Smith in West Palm Beach, Florida, earlier this week. Jeffries was released on bond. Smith is a dual American and British citizen. He was ordered to remain in custody amid concerns he might attempt to flee. Smith’s arraignment date has not yet been scheduled. Jacobson was accused of recruiting men for the events. Authorities arrested him in Wisconsin. He made his first appearance in federal court in St. Paul, Minnesota.
Jeffries’ tenure as CEO of Abercrombie & Fitch began in 1992. During his time, he transformed the company from a modest hunting and outdoor goods store. It became a popular teen fashion brand known for its provocative marketing. Abercrombie is now headquartered in Ohio. It issued a statement following the arrests. The company expressed that it was “appalled and disgusted” by the allegations.
Since Jeffries’ departure, Abercrombie has distanced itself from his controversial legacy, undergoing significant brand and cultural shifts. The company has moved away from “sexualized” advertising. It stopped labeling store employees as “models.” Last year, it commissioned an independent investigation in response to similar allegations against Jeffries.
In its recent statement, Abercrombie emphasized support for individuals involved in the investigation, acknowledging the courage required to come forward. “We have zero tolerance for abuse, harassment, or discrimination of any kind, and we are committed to fully cooperating with law enforcement as the legal process unfolds,” the company wrote.
As Jeffries and his associates prepare for their next court appearances, the case continues to unfold, shedding light on disturbing allegations that have surfaced against one of the most controversial figures in the fashion industry.
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Michael Jeffries, the former CEO of Abercrombie & Fitch, pleaded not guilty on Friday to federal charges of sex trafficking and interstate prostitution. The 80-year-old appeared in federal court in Central Islip, Long Island, where his attorney entered the plea on his behalf. Jeffries, who was released on a $10 million bond, is expected to return to court on December 12.
“This hearing was purely procedural. Bond was set to ensure Michael’s appearance in court. As expected, we entered a plea of not guilty,” said Jeffries’ lawyer, Brian Bieber, in an email. He declined further comment on the case’s details.
Federal prosecutors stated that Jeffries, his romantic partner Matthew Smith, and James Jacobson orchestrated a scheme. They lured men into participating in sex parties. They promised potential modeling opportunities with Abercrombie & Fitch. Jacobson, 71, who was employed by Jeffries during the alleged incidents, also pleaded not guilty and was released on a $500,000 bond.
The indictment alleges that Jeffries and his associates enticed 15 men into drug-fueled sex parties. They used force, fraud, and coercion. The accusers report being pressured to wear costumes, use sex toys, and endure painful procedures, such as erection-inducing injections. These events allegedly took place between 2008 and 2015. They spanned locations in New York City and the Hamptons, where Jeffries owns a property. Several international destinations were also included, such as England, France, Italy, Morocco, and St. Barts.
The allegations mirror accusations of sexual misconduct previously reported in the media and detailed in a civil case against Jeffries. He stepped down from Abercrombie & Fitch in 2014 after leading the company for over 20 years.
Jeffries was initially arrested with Smith in West Palm Beach, Florida, earlier this week. While Jeffries was released on bond, Smith, a dual American and British citizen, was ordered to remain in custody amid concerns he might attempt to flee. Smith’s arraignment date has not yet been scheduled. Jacobson, accused of recruiting men for the events, was arrested in Wisconsin and made his first appearance in federal court in St. Paul, Minnesota.
Jeffries’ tenure as CEO of Abercrombie & Fitch began in 1992, during which he transformed the company from a modest hunting and outdoor goods store into a popular teen fashion brand known for its provocative marketing. Abercrombie, now headquartered in Ohio, issued a statement following the arrests, expressing that it was “appalled and disgusted” by the allegations.
Since Jeffries’ departure, Abercrombie has distanced itself from his controversial legacy, undergoing significant brand and cultural shifts. The company has moved away from “sexualized” advertising, ceased labeling store employees as “models,” and commissioned an independent investigation last year in response to similar allegations against Jeffries.
In its recent statement, Abercrombie emphasized support for individuals involved in the investigation, acknowledging the courage required to come forward. “We have zero tolerance for abuse, harassment, or discrimination of any kind, and we are committed to fully cooperating with law enforcement as the legal process unfolds,” the company wrote.
As Jeffries and his associates prepare for their next court appearances, the case continues to unfold, shedding light on disturbing allegations that have surfaced against one of the most controversial figures in the fashion industry.
