Mike Jeffries, the former CEO of Abercrombie & Fitch, has been arrested on sex trafficking charges following a years-long investigation by the FBI and federal prosecutors. Jeffries, who led the fashion company for more than two decades, was taken into custody in West Palm Beach, Florida, on Tuesday morning. The charges, which include sex trafficking and interstate prostitution, come after a series of allegations that have shadowed Jeffries for years.
The arrest is part of a broader criminal investigation being led by the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Brooklyn, with federal authorities working closely with the FBI. While specific details of the criminal charges have not been fully disclosed, sources indicate that the charges stem from civil lawsuits and claims made over the years, accusing Jeffries of orchestrating a sex trafficking operation during his time at Abercrombie & Fitch.
According to officials, Jeffries is alleged to have been involved in the recruitment and exploitation of young men as part of a trafficking network that crossed state lines. Some of these claims were first brought to light in a civil lawsuit filed in New York last year, which accused Abercrombie of permitting Jeffries to run this illicit operation during his 22-year tenure as CEO. The suit, along with testimonies from victims, prompted renewed scrutiny from law enforcement.
The arrest marks a significant development in the high-profile case, which has drawn widespread attention given Jeffries’ former position as a powerful executive in the fashion industry. Jeffries’ tenure at Abercrombie was often criticized for its controversial marketing campaigns and hypersexualized branding, and these new charges now add a criminal dimension to his legacy.
Federal prosecutors in New York, including U.S. Attorney Breon Peace, are expected to hold a press conference at 12 p.m. Eastern Time to provide more details on the charges against Jeffries. The FBI has indicated that the investigation is ongoing, and additional arrests could be forthcoming as more individuals linked to the trafficking ring are identified.
For years, Jeffries faced mounting allegations of sexual misconduct, but until now, no criminal charges had been filed. His arrest signifies a turning point, as victims and advocates hope to see justice served in a case that has rattled both the fashion world and broader corporate America.
Jeffries is currently being held in custody, and it is expected that he will be transported to New York to face federal charges in the coming days. The arrest has prompted swift reactions from legal experts and advocates, many of whom see this as a critical moment in the fight against trafficking and exploitation in high-powered industries.
As the investigation continues, all eyes are on the U.S. Attorney’s office and the FBI to uncover the full scope of Jeffries’ alleged criminal network and any potential co-conspirators.
