Mike Jeffries, the former CEO of Abercrombie and Fitch, pleaded not guilty to sex trafficking charges on October 25, 2024, following his arrest on October 22, 2024. He was arraigned in Central Islip, New York, and signed a $10 million bail bond, which places him under house arrest [bb7aa08b]. The allegations against Jeffries stem from a 2023 BBC investigation that uncovered a prostitution enterprise operating from December 2008 to March 2015, involving 15 anonymous victims [bb7aa08b].
Jeffries, now 80 years old, is not alone in facing these charges; his lover, Matthew Smith, is also implicated but has yet to be arraigned. Additionally, James Jacobson, described as a fixer, has pleaded not guilty to related charges [bb7aa08b]. Abercrombie and Fitch has publicly expressed their shock and dismay regarding the allegations against their former CEO, emphasizing their commitment to a safe and respectful environment [bb7aa08b]. The case has garnered significant media attention, highlighting the ongoing issues of sexual misconduct and trafficking in high-profile corporate settings [bb7aa08b].