Former Abercrombie & Fitch CEO Michael Jeffries appeared in a New York federal court on Friday wearing an ankle bracelet tucked into his sock; he pleaded not guilty to a 16-count indictment which included one count of sex trafficking, 15 counts of international prostitution and has also been accused of leveraging ”a network of employees, contractors and security professionals” during his time of CEO.
He was released on a $10 million bond set up by his family, with his wife and son in attendance in the gallery; the other conditions of his release include restrictions with New York City and the southern district of Florida and not been allowed to leave his home other than ”pre-approved reasons” such as attorney visits and medical treatment.
He has also had to surrender his passport.
Jeffries, 80, stepped down as CEO in 2014, after running the company since 1992.
Matthew Smith and James Jacobson were also indicted as part of the case, with Jacobson being employed by Jeffries and Smith to interview and hire men to perform sex acts for them.
US attorney for the Eastern District of New York has said While Jeffries was the CEO of one of the most recognizable clothing retailers in the world, he was using his power, his wealth and his influence to traffic men for his own sexual pleasure and that of his romantic partner, Matthew Smith”
The indictment has indicated that between December 2008 and March 2015 that all 3 of those accused, engaged in a sex trafficking scheme where they would recruit men to engage in ”sex events” where those that took part were given alcohol, lubricant, muscle relaxants, Viagra and condoms to perform said acts, upon initially being invited by modeling and career opportunities within Abercrombie.
Magistrate Judge Steven Tiscione told Jeffries that he would be putting his family at a financial risk if he did not return to court.
Jacobson also pleaded not guilty and must also remain in home confinement with a bond of $500,000, with both offenders also being ordered to stay away from any witnesses and victims.
The victims, who were referred to as John Does in order to stay anonymous, were as young as 19 at the time of the crime.
Matthew Smith is yet to be scheduled for his court date as he was held without bail in Florida federal court on the account that he is an alleged flight risk and will be transported to New York to appear in the case.
Abercrombie & Fitch made a statement which read As we shared when the accusations were first made public in October 2023, we are appalled and disgusted by the alleged behavior of Mr. Jeffries, whose employment with Abercrombie & Fitch Co. ended nearly ten years ago…for close to a decade, we have successfully transformed our brands and culture into the values-driven organization we are today. We have zero tolerance for abuse, harassment or discrimination of any kind, and are committed to fully cooperating with law enforcement as the legal process continues.”
