Data map: Mike Jeffries, CEO of Abercrombie & Fitch in 2005.
Michelo Cissano | Michaelo Cissano Movie Magic | Getty Images
Former Abercrombie & Fitch CEO Mike Jeffries was arrested in Florida and faces sex trafficking-related charges, a spokesman for the U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of New York told CNBC on Tuesday.
Two of Jeffries’ associates, Matthew Smith of West Palm Beach, Fla., and James Jacobson of Wisconsin, also were charged in connection with the case, the spokesman said.
Abercrombie & Fitch declined CNBC’s request for comment.
The news comes just hours after federal prosecutors in Brooklyn, New York, prepared to hold a press conference to announce the arrests of a “former CEO of a major company” and others in a “sex trafficking and interstate prostitution case.” Two people.
The criminal case comes a year after Abercrombie, Jeffries and Smith were indicted for allegedly turning a blind eye to sexual misconduct by their former executive.
Jeffries was accused in that federal civil lawsuit of running a sex trafficking ring that exploited young people hoping to become models for the company.
Attorney Brittany Henderson of Edwards Henderson LLP, which represents the plaintiffs in the case, said in a statement to CNBC, “Today’s arrest is landmark for the aspiring male models who have been victimized. .
“Their fight for justice does not end here,” Henderson said. “We look forward to holding Abercrombie and Fitch accountable for enabling this horrific act and ensuring it never happens again.”
Jeffries served as Abercrombie’s chief executive from 1992 to 2014. But Abercrombie allowed him to work extensively for the brand.”
This is breaking news. Please refresh for updates.
— CNBC’s Gabrielle Fonrouge contributed reporting.
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