NEW YORK — Mike Jeffries, the former CEO of Abercrombie and Fitch, has been charged with sex trafficking and prostitution involving multiple men. The 16-count indictment was announced on Tuesday (Oct 22) by federal prosecutors in Brooklyn, occurring a decade after Jeffries departed from the retailer he developed into a popular brand over 22 years, noted for its provocative marketing.

This indictment follows a BBC investigation and a proposed class-action lawsuit alleging that Jeffries enticed young men with modeling job offers, luring them into traveling worldwide to be sexually exploited.

US Attorney Breon Peace, who previously secured a 30-year prison sentence for singer R. Kelly for similar charges, stated that influential individuals have long abused young people aspiring to careers in fashion and entertainment.

"To anyone who believes they can exploit others through the so-called casting couch system, this case serves as a warning: be prepared to exchange that couch for a bed in federal prison," Peace remarked during a press conference.

The defendants include Jeffries, 80, his partner Matthew Smith, 61, and James Jacobson, 71, who allegedly recruited men for them. Each faces one count of sex trafficking and 15 counts of interstate prostitution linked to 15 unnamed victims between 2008 and 2015.

If found guilty, they could face life sentences and mandatory minimum terms of 15 years for the sex trafficking charges, along with up to 20 years for the interstate prostitution charges.

All three were arrested on Tuesday and are expected to appear in courts in Florida and Minnesota, with a possibility of appearing in Brooklyn later this week or next.

Peace plans to request bail of at least $10 million for Jeffries and $500,000 for Jacobson, along with home confinement for both. He intends to keep Smith, a dual US-British citizen, in jail pending trial due to flight risk concerns.

Brian Bieber, Jeffries’ lawyer, stated he would respond to the charges in court. Lawyers for Smith have not yet commented, while Jeremy Schneider, representing Jacobson, declined to provide a statement.

Abercrombie did not comment and is not accused of any wrongdoing. Peace noted there was no evidence suggesting the alleged crimes occurred on company property.

**'Tryouts' and 'poppers'**

Prosecutors claim that Jeffries and Smith financed meetings with dozens of men for sexual encounters at their homes in Manhattan and the Hamptons, as well as hotels in locations including England, France, Italy, Morocco, and St. Barts.

Utilizing their wealth and Jeffries' influence at Abercrombie, they allegedly worked to satisfy their sexual desires while concealing their international sex trafficking and prostitution operations to maintain Jeffries’ powerful image.

Jacobson was said to typically conduct "tryouts," where male recruits as young as 19 would have sexual encounters with him before being introduced to Jeffries and Smith.

The scheme reportedly involved muscle relaxants known as "poppers" and props such as large sex toys and high-pressured enemas. Men were required to sign non-disclosure agreements and face penalties if they disclosed any details to family or friends.

Jeffries led Abercrombie from 1992 to 2014, transforming it into a successful teen apparel brand recognized for its cologne-scented stores and advertisements featuring semi-nude models. He resigned amid criticism from investors and analysts regarding his inability to adapt to changing teen fashion trends.

The proposed class action, led by plaintiff David Bradberry, who participated in the BBC investigation, also accused Abercrombie of settling claims from individuals who accused Jeffries of sexual abuse or harassment. On October 4, Abercrombie, Jeffries, and Smith requested a federal judge to dismiss that case.

The New Albany, Ohio-based company expressed that it was "shocked and appalled" by the allegations against Jeffries, asserting that it was implausible to believe the company had any involvement.

Disclaimer: This image is taken from Reuters