Former Abercrombie & Fitch CEO Mike Jeffries pleaded not guilty to charges of running a sex trafficking scheme. The 80-year-old entered his plea to one count of sex trafficking and 15 counts of prostitution in court. An employee of Jeffries, James Jacobson, is also expected to enter a plea. Prosecutors alleged the scheme ran from 2008 to 2015, where men were paid to have sex with Jeffries and his partner Matthew Smith. The victims were led to believe they could get modeling jobs, but were forced to consume alcohol and perform sex acts against their will. Dozens of men were victims, and each defendant faces significant prison time if convicted. The charges are similar to accusations made in a 2023 BBC investigation. Abercrombie & Fitch has denied knowing about Jeffries’ alleged misconduct, and the company was not charged in the case. Jeffries resigned in 2014 amid falling sales and criticism of his marketing tactics. Abercrombie stated they were appalled by the accusations and have since transformed their brand and culture after Jeffries’ departure.
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