Ex-Abercrombie CEO Expected to Plead in International Sex Trafficking Scheme Involving 15 Identified Victims

Jeffries and two associates could face life sentences if convicted of sex trafficking.

By Thea Felicity

Oct 25 2024, 10:54 AM EDT

Former Abercrombie & Fitch CEO Mike Jeffries Charged — NEW YORK, NEW YORK - OCTOBER 22: In this illustration, indictment papers are seen during a press conference at the US Attorney's office on October 22, 2024 in New York City. Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images

Former CEO of Abercrombie & Fitch will have a court appearance to enter a plea, following recent charges.

With over 22 years as CEO of the company, Mike Jeffries lived a comfortable life until retirement. Until, he was found allegedly running an international sex trafficking and prostitution scheme during his time as CEO of the company, between 1992 and 2014.

As shared by Yahoo Finance, Jeffries currently faces 16 criminal charges and will go before a judge in Suffolk County in New York. But he's not alone in these cases as the court also found that his former employee, James Jacobson, and partner, Matthew Smith, were also part of his scheme. Both are also expected to enter a plea, with Smith already detained.

How Jeffries Ran the International Sex Trafficking and Prostitution Scheme

In the same report, prosecutors alleged that Jeffries and his partners committed the crime between 2008 and 2015.

Jacobson acted as a recruiter and paid men to engage in sexual intercourse with him. Then, he would select those who would be paid to travel to locations like the Hamptons, the Manhattan, and even overseas, to do the same with Jeffries and Smith.

According to Reuters, victims were found to have been misled into believing that participating would give them modeling opportunities. In reality, the whole purpose was to meet the sexual demands of Jeffries and Smith, while also protecting the former CEO's public reputation with a nondisclosure agreement. The indictment stated that victims were forced to consume alcohol, muscle relaxants, and Viagra, use sex toys, and perform sexual acts against their will.

Currently, prosecutors found that dozens were victims, with 15 already named in the indictment. Jeffries, Jacobson, and Smith could face 15 years to life in prison for sex trafficking and up to 20 years for interstate prostitution if convicted.

Last year, VCPost learned that the former CEO sued Abercrombie & Fitch to cover his legal fees after the company denied knowing Jeffries' crimes.