Ex-Abercrombie & Fitch CEO Mike Jeffries and associates arrested in twisted scheme to sexually exploit male models: FBI

Former Abercrombie & Fitch CEO Mike Jeffries, his romantic partner and a middleman exploited and horrifically abused more than a dozen young, aspiring male models as part of a twisted sex trafficking and prostitution ring, federal prosecutors said Tuesday.

Jeffries, 79, allegedly used his “power, wealth and influence” to abuse dozens of men for his own sexual pleasure for nearly a decade, authorities said.

The disgraced fashion boss and his partner Matthew Smith, 60, are accused of using an alleged middleman, James Jacobson, 70, to lure their victims to sex parties around the world between 2008 and 2015, court documents say .

“To anyone who believes they can exploit and coerce others using the so-called casting couch system, this case should serve as a warning – prepare to trade that couch for a bed in federal prison,” said U.S. Attorney Breon Peace upon its announcement the fees.

“Sexual exploitation of vulnerable people is a crime. And dreaming of a future in the fashion and modeling industry is no different.

All three men were charged with sex trafficking and interstate prostitution.

This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.