Former A&F CEO appears in court in New York for transnational sex trafficking, pleads not guilty_1

Former Abercrombie & Fitch CEO Mike Jeffries has been arrested on allegations of sex trafficking, accused of luring male models globally into sexual parties. During a recent court appearance, Jeffries, now 80 years old, pleaded not guilty to one count of sex trafficking and 15 counts of sexual offenses.

According to Reuters, Jeffries, who led A&F from 1992 to 2014, presented his defense before U.S. District Judge Steven Tiscione in Central Islip, New York, through his attorney, Brian Bieber. Dressed in a navy blue suit jacket and a light gray shirt, with no tie, he maintained a stern demeanor, keeping his hands clasped in front of him for most of the proceedings.

Jeffries has been granted bail set at $10 million, and he will be required to use his residence on Fishers Island, New York, as collateral. Additionally, he will be subject to GPS monitoring while under house arrest.

James Jacobson, an employee of Jeffries, also pleaded not guilty to the same charges through his attorney. His bail conditions include GPS-monitored house arrest and a $500,000 bail.

Matthew Smith, Jeffries’ partner with dual U.S. and U.K. citizenship, has been ordered to remain in custody and will respond to the same 16 charges later.

Prosecutors stated that the alleged offenses took place between 2008 and 2015. Reports suggest that Jacobson acted as a recruiter, paying men for sexual encounters, then selecting several to send to locations including Manhattan, the Hamptons, and various countries to have sexual relations with Jeffries and Smith.