Former Abercrombie & Fitch CEO pleads not guilty to sex trafficking and prostitution charges

Disgraced former Abercrombie & Fitch CEO Michael Jeffries on Friday pleaded not guilty to federal sex trafficking and interstate prostitution charges on Long Island, New York.

The 80-year-old Jeffries, his partner Matthew Smith of West Palm Beach, and another associate , 71-year-old James Jacobson, were all arrested in Florida on Tuesday. Jacobson also pleaded not guilty to the charges, but Smith has not been arraigned so far.

Prosecutors alleged on Tuesday that the three men lured at least 15 men into participating in sex parties by promising to let them model Abercrombie & Fitch apparel. The events took place between 2008 and 2015 in the Hamptons, and at hotels in England, France, Italy, Morocco and St. Barts, per the Associated Press. 

Jacobson was the one who allegedly recruited the men at the time, and Jeffries served as the CEO from 1992 to 2014. 

Jeffries and Jacobson have been released on bail, but Smith is still detained because of his status as a dual citizen in the United States and the United Kingdom. Prosecutors expressed concern that Smith would try to flee the country if released.

"We are appalled and disgusted by the alleged behavior of Mr. Jeffries, whose employment with Abercrombie & Fitch Co. ended ten years ago," the company said in a statement on Instagram on Wednesday. “Speaking up and coming forward is not easy, and our thoughts remain with those who have bravely raised their voices as part of the federal investigation."

"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," the company added.

Misty Severi is an evening news reporter for Just The News. You can follow her on X for more coverage.