Ex-Abercrombie & Fitch CEO arrested on sex trafficking charges
The ex-CEO of Abercrombie & Fitch has been arrested on sex trafficking charges.
Former boss of the fashion company, Mike Jeffries, along with partner Matthew Smith and another man, Jim Jacobson, were arrested on Tuesday (22 October).
Lawyers for both Jeffries and Smith have previously 'vehemently denied' any wrongdoing.
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Mr Jeffries' lawyer told the BBC: "We will respond in detail to the allegations after the Indictment is unsealed, and when appropriate, but plan to do so in the courthouse – not the media."
All three men are expected to appear in federal court in both Florida and Wisconsin on Tuesday.
The arrests come a year after BBC published an investigation that claimed Jeffries had exploited and abused men at events in New York.
Following the report, a lawsuit was filed in New York which accused both Jeffries and Smith of sex trafficking, rape and sexual assault.
Lawyer Brad Edwards of Edwards Henderson - who is representing some of the alleged victims - said: "These arrests are a huge first step towards obtaining justice for the many victims who were exploited and abused through this sex-trafficking scheme that operated for many years under the legitimate cover Abercrombie provided.
"The unprecedented reporting of the BBC, coupled with the lawsuit our firm filed detailing the operation, are to credit for these monumental arrests. This was the result of impressive investigative journalism.”
Jeffries was CEO of Abercrombie & Fitch between 1992 and 2014.
LADbible has reached out to Abercrombie & Fitch for comment.
Lucy Devine