Former Abercrombie CEO Arrested, Accused of Running Sex Trafficking Operation
WEST PALM BEACH – Michael Jeffries, the former CEO of Abercrombie and Fitch, stepped out of federal court on Tuesday afternoon, appearing calm in his white shorts as he posted a $10 million bond. To secure his release, Jeffries used a house located on Fisher Island, New York, as collateral. Following the court proceedings, he made his way to his home in Palm Beach, where he was ordered to wear a GPS monitor.
According to Breon Peace, the U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, Jeffries held his position as CEO from 1992 until 2014. However, the recent indictment accuses him, alongside 61-year-old Mathew Smith, his romantic partner, and 71-year-old James Jacobson, of running a disturbing operation that involved sex trafficking and prostitution.
The indictment claims that the trio worked collectively to recruit numerous men from both the United States and overseas, often compensating them to participate in sex events. The accusations suggest that these individuals operated a business that relied on force, fraud, and coercion to lure victims into their illegal activities.
Law enforcement took action early Tuesday when they arrested Jeffries and Smith in Palm Beach. Meanwhile, Jacobson, who has been referred to as “Mrs. Cook,” was apprehended in Wisconsin. Notably, prosecutors have shared shocking accounts of Jacobson conducting what they call ‘tryouts’ with men from around the globe. It is alleged that he would compensate these men for engaging in sexual acts with him.
After these so-called “tryouts,” Jacobson would decide which men were approved to meet Jeffries and Smith. The implications of this alleged recruitment process paint a grim picture of the illegal operations they were involved in.
Federal authorities detailed some of the more graphic aspects of their alleged activities during the court proceedings. They indicated that 15 victims were mentioned in the complaint, suggesting these men were enticed with alcohol, muscle relaxers, and Viagra during the events.
According to U.S. Attorney Peace, Jacobson would arrange for the selected men to be flown to the homes of Jeffries and Smith in the Hamptons or to various hotels worldwide. These events were purportedly centered around commercial sex, further illustrating the disturbing nature of the allegations.
Both Jeffries and Jacobson are scheduled to be arraigned on Friday afternoon in New York, facing serious charges that could result in life sentences if they are found guilty. The broader implications of this case are still unfolding, but clearly, the allegations against these individuals have raised significant concerns.
This developing story has captivated attention due to the high-profile nature of those involved, sparking conversations about accountability and the serious issues surrounding sex trafficking within society.
As this case progresses, it will likely reveal more details about the operations and decisions made by Jeffries, Smith, and Jacobson. Legal experts and advocates alike will be watching closely as the arraignment and subsequent proceedings unfold in the coming days.
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