Ex-Abercrombie CEO Said by Prosecutors to Have Used Position and Money to Enslave Young Men

According to Mr. Peace, once Mr. Jeffries gave his approval, men were flown to his New York home, where they were reportedly coerced into consuming alcohol, Viagra, and muscle relaxants. 

Prosecutors also alleged that Jeffries and Smith, or others under their direction, administered drugs to men, making them incapable or unwilling to perform sexually.

The ex-CEO reportedly invested millions of dollars into maintaining a massive infrastructure to support and conceal this operation, which involved international travel, hotels, staff, and security. 

Prosecutors stated that 15 victims were named in the indictment, but the overall operation involved "dozens and dozens of men."

Following a court appearance on Tuesday, Jeffries was released on a $10 million bond, while Jacobson was released on a $500,000 bond. Smith, however, was ordered to remain detained. The next court hearing is scheduled for Friday.

Mr. Peace, the federal prosecutor, revealed that the authorities were tipped off by the media. Following a BBC News report, a civil lawsuit was filed in New York, accusing Jeffries and Smith of sex trafficking, rape, and sexual assault. 

The lawsuit also claimed that Abercrombie & Fitch financed a sex-trafficking ring led by its former CEO during his 20-year tenure.

Earlier on Tuesday, Brad Edwards, a civil lawyer representing some of the alleged victims, called the arrests a significant step towards justice for many individuals exploited and abused in the sex-trafficking ring, which was allegedly disguised as a legitimate business under Abercrombie’s name.

The BBC's investigative reporting played a crucial role in bringing these arrests to light, according to Mr. Peace. 

In its initial report, the BBC interviewed 12 men who claimed to have attended or organized sexual activities for Jeffries and his British associate, Smith, between 2009 and 2015. 

Eight men who attended these events reported being approached by a middleman, identified by the BBC as James Jacobson.

After the initial exposé, more men came forward. Some alleged that Jeffries’ assistants administered an unknown substance, believed to be liquid Viagra, directly to their genitals. 

Jacobson, in an earlier interview, denied any coercive behavior and claimed ignorance of such actions by others.

The BBC also interviewed dozens of individuals, including former household staff, who confirmed that many of the men were unaware of the nature of the events or the involvement of sex. Some knew the events would be sexual but were unsure of their specific role. 

All participants were paid, and several were reportedly enticed by the promise of modeling opportunities with Abercrombie & Fitch.

One accuser, David Bradberry, an aspiring model at the time, stated that he was told he would only meet Jeffries if he performed oral sex on Jacobson. Bradberry described the situation as being coerced into compliance with the promise of fame. 

He later attended a party at Jeffries' mansion in the Hamptons, where he met Jeffries and engaged in sexual activity. 

He noted the isolated setting and the presence of Abercrombie-clad employees overseeing the event made him feel uncomfortable and unsafe.

Following the BBC's report last year, Abercrombie & Fitch announced an internal investigation into the allegations but has declined to comment on the status of the report or whether its findings will be made public. 

The company has been trying to have the civil lawsuit dismissed, arguing that it had no knowledge of the alleged sex-trafficking operation led by its former CEO.

Earlier this year, a U.S. court ruled that Abercrombie & Fitch must cover Jeffries' legal fees related to the civil charges, as they were connected to his corporate role. 

The company stated that its current leadership was unaware of the allegations until contacted by the BBC and condemned the alleged conduct. Jeffries, who resigned as CEO in 2014 amid declining sales, left with a retirement package estimated at $25 million. 

Despite his successful career, he had faced accusations of discrimination, extravagant spending, and criticism over his boyfriend Matthew Smith's unofficial involvement in company matters.