Oct 26, V7N- Former Abercrombie & Fitch CEO Mike Jeffries pleaded not guilty to charges of running an international sex trafficking operation during his time with the company. Jeffries, 80, appeared in a New York federal court, facing one count of sex trafficking and 15 counts of prostitution. Prosecutors allege that from 2008 to 2015, Jeffries, along with his partner Matthew Smith and employee James Jacobson, recruited men under the guise of modeling opportunities but instead subjected them to coerced sexual encounters.

Prosecutors claim that Jacobson would recruit men, offering money and the potential for modeling jobs, and then direct those chosen to Jeffries and Smith, often requiring them to sign nondisclosure agreements and use substances like alcohol and muscle relaxants. Jeffries is currently free on a $10 million bond with home confinement and GPS monitoring.

This case follows a BBC investigation and civil lawsuits with similar accusations, though Abercrombie & Fitch has denied any knowledge of Jeffries’ alleged actions. The company has since publicly distanced itself from Jeffries, calling the accusations "appalling" and emphasizing its shift to a values-driven culture since his departure.

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