Former Abercrombie CEO Mike Jeffries arrested on shocking sex trafficking charges

Mike Jeffries, the former CEO of Abercrombie & Fitch, recently made headlines for all the wrong reasons. The once-celebrated leader of the iconic fashion brand has been arrested on serious charges related to sex trafficking. Two associates, Matthew Smith and James Jacobson, were also taken into custody in connection with this alarming case, which is being pursued in the Eastern District of New York.

Abercrombie & Fitch, which Jeffries led from 1992 to 2014, was known for its provocative marketing strategies and the cultivation of an exclusive image, primarily targeting young, attractive individuals. Jeffries became infamous in 2006 when he stated in a Salon interview, "We go after the attractive all-American kid with a great attitude and a lot of friends. A lot of people don't belong (in our clothes), and they can't belong. Are we exclusionary? Absolutely."

This exclusionary ethos drew significant criticism, especially when the brand struggled to stay relevant with Gen Z in the 2010s. The backlash peaked in 2013, when a petition calling for more inclusive sizing garnered nearly 80,000 signatures, ultimately leading to the introduction of plus sizes in some lines. By 2014, as fans celebrated his departure, Jeffries left the company amid calls for a more inclusive vision.

A closer look at the sex trafficking case

Now, Jeffries faces allegations stemming from an indictment that claims he and his associates were involved in a sex trafficking scheme between December 2008 and March 2015. Reports suggest that they recruited aspiring male models, enticing them with drugs, alcohol, and even Viagra to participate in sex acts at lavish parties. "This is a shocking turn of events for someone who was once the face of youth fashion," said a source close to the case.

According to sources, the three men allegedly ran an international operation, sending young men to locations including the Hamptons and hotels across Europe, all for the purpose of fulfilling their sexual desires.

Jacobson reportedly played a crucial role in recruiting and interviewing candidates, often requiring them to engage in commercial sex acts before participating in these notorious "sex parties." Disturbingly, some victims were as young as 19, and many had ties to Abercrombie, whether as former employees or models hoping to advance their careers.

As these allegations unfold, Jeffries' attorney, Brian Bieber, stated, "We will respond in detail to the allegations after the indictment is unsealed, and when appropriate, but plan to do so in the courthouse - not the media." This shocking case underscores how far the once-celebrated CEO has fallen from grace.