In a shocking turn of events, former Abercrombie & Fitch CEO Mike Jeffries, his partner Matt Smith, and a third man, Jim Jacobson, were arrested Tuesday in connection to a criminal sex trafficking investigation.
According to sources close to the investigation, the FBI and federal prosecutors in Brooklyn are focusing on allegations that the men sexually exploited young men at lavish parties they hosted across the globe.
The investigation, which first came to light in January following civil lawsuits filed by alleged victims, centers around claims that Jeffries, who is credited with transforming Abercrombie & Fitch into a teen fashion giant, and his partner Smith, used their influence to prey on young men.
The lawsuits describe extravagant parties at Jeffries’ estates in the Hamptons, London, Venice, and beyond, where the men allegedly exploited their guests with the help of Jacobson, who reportedly acted as a recruiter.
David Bradberry, a former crew member from the reality show “Below Deck,” is among those who have come forward.
He claims Jeffries capitalized on the “oversexualization of young men” to fuel Abercrombie’s success.
In his lawsuit, Bradberry alleges that the victims were misled with promises of becoming Abercrombie models, only to be forced into drug use and sexual acts.
Federal prosecutors from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York have confirmed the ongoing criminal investigation, emphasizing that more details will be shared as the case progresses.
Jeffries’ attorney, Brian Bieber, responded by stating, “We will address the allegations in court once the indictment is unsealed. For now, we will reserve our defense for the appropriate forum.”
Brad Edwards, the attorney representing the plaintiffs, issued a powerful statement, alleging that Abercrombie operated as a “sex trafficking organization” that allowed the exploitation of countless aspiring male models.
He insists that the arrests of Jeffries, Smith, and Jacobson are just the beginning of uncovering the full extent of the abuse.
This developing story is expected to unfold as new information comes to light.
Stay tuned for updates on this disturbing case involving the former head of Abercrombie & Fitch.
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