Former Abercrombie CEO Accused of Sex Crimes

Former Abercrombie & Fitch CEO Mike Jeffries, aged 80, has been charged with operating a sex-trafficking and interstate prostitution ring involving young male models. Alongside his partner, Matthew Smith, who remains in custody, and alleged middleman James Jacobson, they are accused of coercing men seeking careers in modeling to attend 'sex events' from 2008 to 2015. The indictment, which includes 16 counts, alleges that Jeffries and his associates used false promises of modeling opportunities and subjected the men to abuse, including forced drug use and painful physical procedures. Jeffries pleaded not guilty and was released on a $10 million bond. The case follows a detailed BBC investigation that led to an FBI probe and the eventual arrest of the three men. If convicted, the accused face sentences including life imprisonment for sex trafficking and up to 20 years for interstate prostitution.