Mike Jeffries is in West Palm Beach, Florida police custody. The former CEO of Abercrombie & Fitch is accused of involvement in interstate sex trafficking and prostitution, by NBC News. He worked for the popular retailer between 1992 and 2014.
The police didn’t just arrest Mike on Tuesday, October 22nd. Matthew Smith and James Jacobson are also in police custody in connection with the trafficking charges. All three men appeared in federal court in Florida on Tuesday.
Ultimately, Mike Jeffries was indicted on 16 federal counts of sex trafficking and international prostitution, by CNN. NBC reports there was one trafficking charge and 15 charges for the other charge related to the alleged 15 victims. Matt and James were also indicted on Tuesday, CNN reports.
Breon Peace, U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of New York, said Tuesday that Mike Jeffries and Matthew were romantic partners who trafficked for their own pleasure.
“Although Jeffries was the CEO of one of the most recognized clothing retailers in the world, he used his power, wealth and influence to traffic men for his own sexual pleasure and that of his romantic partner, Matthew Smith,” Breon said. Peace was reportedly said at a press conference.
Here’s What Prosecutors Allege Mike Jeffries Did
The indictment alleges that Mike, Matthew and James ran an “international sex trafficking and prostitution business” between December 2008 and March 2015. James, specifically, was the group’s “recruiter,” according to CNN. He would allegedly interview and hire the men who performed commercial sex acts for Mike and Matt. Additionally, he allegedly sometimes demanded that men “try it out” by performing acts on him first.
The romantic partners allegedly organized drug-fueled “sexual events” during the period described. The victims would have received muscle relaxants, such as poppers. In addition, the events made alcohol, lubricant, Viagra, condoms, sex toys and other objects available for the acts. Mike and Matt also hired separate domestic staff to supervise sexual events and required non-disclosure agreements to be signed.
Additionally, the indictment alleges that the men lured victims with the promise of modeling and career opportunities at Abercrombie & Fitch and often targeted heterosexual men. Additionally, Mike Jeffries and Matthew allegedly tapped a network of retail company employees, contractors, and security professionals to run the trafficking ring.
Additionally, the indictment states that the couple paid men to travel within the U.S. and other countries for sexual acts. These locations included the Hamptons and New York and hotels in England, France, Italy, Morocco and St. Barthélemy.
“The message of today’s indictment is clear: sexually exploiting vulnerable human beings is a crime; doing so through dreams of a future in fashion, fashion or any other business is no different,” said U.S. Attorney Peace.
What happens next?
Mike’s attorney, Brian Bieber, said he plans to respond to the allegations in court after the indictment is revealed. Smith’s attorney reportedly shared the same message on Tuesday.
Mike Jeffries’ sex trafficking charges follow another similar high-profile case, also based in New York. Last month, federal agents arrested Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs in a New York hotel regarding sex trafficking and transportation to engage in prostitution charges. Earlier this month, a judge set test start to 2025. He remains behind bars in Brooklyn, New York City. More recently, his sons and daughters wrote a public message of support for him.
RELATED: Diddy’s sons and daughters share joint statement supporting their father (PHOTO)
What do you think, roommates?