Former Abercrombie & Fitch CEO Mike Jeffries and his longtime partner, Matthew Smith, have been arrested on serious charges involving sex trafficking and interstate prostitution.

Feb. 16, 1998; Columbus, OH, USA; ** FILE ** Abercrombie & Fitch’s chairman and chief executive Michael Jeffries, shown in this Feb. 16, 1998, file photo, has signed a lucrative contract that includes a $1 million annual salary and a retirement package not tied to the company’s performance. When he retires in December 2008, Jeffries is guaranteed $12 million in cash, 1 million shares of Abercrombie stock, worth about $28 million today, and half of his salary for the rest of his life. Mandatory Credit: Mike Munden-USA TODAY NETWORK

As reported by The Daily Mail, both men, along with a third individual, Jim Jacobson, were apprehended in connection with this disturbing case. Jeffries and Smith, aged 80 and 61 respectively, were taken into custody in West Palm Beach, while Jacobson was arrested in Wisconsin.

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Prosecutors have accused the trio of exploiting young men at elaborate parties both in the United States and internationally.

The Eastern District of New York’s investigation was sparked by several men coming forward, alleging they were abused by Jeffries and his partner over a span of years.

This probe followed a 2023 BBC documentary that exposed shocking claims of sex trafficking dating back to 2009. Despite their denials, the allegations have led to their upcoming court appearances.

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Two accusers, Barrett Pall and David Bradberry, revealed that they were lured into this exploitation under the pretense of “modeling opportunities.”

Jacobson allegedly served as the middleman, recruiting victims and facilitating these twisted sex events for Jeffries.

The men were coerced into attending these gatherings, believing it was part of their path to becoming Abercrombie models. However, they were instead subjected to sexual abuse orchestrated by Jeffries and his associates.

The BBC has corroborated much of the testimony with evidence such as emails, travel documents, and accounts from former household staff of Jeffries.

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One victim described how Jacobson, with a “snakeskin patch nose,” auditioned men for Jeffries by asking for a sexual act in a degrading manner. Jacobson, however, denies any wrongdoing, insisting that all encounters were consensual and rejecting any claims of coercion.

Bradberry has also filed a lawsuit against Abercrombie & Fitch, claiming that the retailer was complicit in enabling Jeffries’ abusive behavior.

July 17, 2024; Columbus, Ohio, USA; Abercrombie and Fitch quarterly magalogs from the early 2000’s.

The lawsuit alleges that Jeffries exploited his position as CEO, using the company’s modeling scouts to identify young men, whom he then preyed upon.

Attorneys for the victims called the arrests a significant step toward justice, with Abercrombie issuing a statement that they are “appalled and disgusted” by the allegations.

Jeffries, who left the company in 2014, played a major role in transforming Abercrombie & Fitch into a teen fashion powerhouse, although his tenure was marred by criticism over the brand’s sexualized marketing tactics.

Now, with these serious charges looming, the dark side of his reign has come to light.

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