Former Abercrombie & Fitch CEO Michael Jeffries and two other men have been arrested on charges of sex trafficking and interstate prostitution, according to federal prosecutors.
The charges follow years of sexual misconduct allegations from individuals who claimed Jeffries lured them with the promise of modelling opportunities but instead, coerced them into sex acts.
Jeffries' attorney, Brian Bieber, stated that a detailed response to the charges would be provided once the indictment is unsealed, indicating that they plan to address the allegations in court rather than through the media.
Jeffries, who left Abercrombie & Fitch in 2014, has faced legal scrutiny before. A civil lawsuit filed in New York last year accused the company of enabling Jeffries to operate a sex-trafficking ring during his time as CEO, with allegations that modelling scouts recruited victims online who were later coerced into sexual activities.
Further details on the criminal charges will likely be disclosed during a news conference scheduled by U.S. Attorney Breon Peace, the FBI, and police officials later today.
Source:
AP
