Mike Jeffries, the former CEO of Abercrombie & Fitch, and his partner Matt Smith were arrested Tuesday, along with a third individual, Jim Jacobson, as part of an ongoing FBI investigation into a sex trafficking ring, according to a report from ABC News. The federal investigation is centered on allegations that Jeffries, Smith, and Jacobson exploited young men at lavish parties held across the U.S. and internationally.
The investigation, led by the FBI and federal prosecutors in Brooklyn, reportedly began after victims filed a civil lawsuit last year, accusing the men of luring attractive young men with promises of becoming Abercrombie models. Once at these parties, the victims claim they were forced into sex acts and given drugs.
One of the plaintiffs in the lawsuit, David Bradberry—known for his appearance on the reality TV show Below Deck—alleged that Jeffries and Smith used their influence at Abercrombie to oversexualize young men. According to Bradberry, the Abercrombie brand itself played a role in facilitating these parties, which took place in upscale locations, including Jeffries’ Hamptons estate, and major cities like London and Venice.
Federal prosecutors confirmed the existence of the criminal investigation in January, following the civil lawsuit filed by Bradberry and other victims. They are currently exploring whether Jeffries and his associates were involved in a broader sex trafficking operation that targeted dozens of young men. ABC News obtained court documents where prosecutors stated, “The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York has launched a criminal investigation of the alleged events and occurrences discussed in Plaintiff’s Complaint.”
Brian Bieber, the attorney representing Jeffries, told ABC News that they plan to address the allegations in court, stating, “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.”
Meanwhile, Brad Edwards, the attorney for the alleged victims, said in a statement to ABC News, “As we laid out in our lawsuit, this was an Abercrombie-run sex trafficking organization that allowed these individuals to victimize dozens of aspiring male models.”
Mike Jeffries, who helped transform Abercrombie & Fitch into a dominant fashion brand, now faces serious legal challenges as this case unfolds.
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