Former Abercrombie & Fitch CEO Mike Jeffries denies charges of sex trafficking in court | US News
Former Abercrombie & Fitch CEO Mike Jeffries has entered a plea of not guilty to charges of sex trafficking and interstate prostitution.
The 80-year-old made his plea at federal court in Central Islip, on Long Island.
He is scheduled to appear in court again on 12 December and has been released on a $10m (£7.7m) bond.
It is alleged that Jeffries, along with his romantic partner Matthew Smith and a third man, James Jacobson, enticed men into participating in sex parties by promising modeling opportunities with the clothing retailer.
Jacobson, who is 71 and an employee of Jeffries, plans to plead not guilty, according to his lawyer.
Smith also appeared in court and was detained over concerns that as a dual American and British citizen, he might try to flee the country.
According to prosecutors, 15 accusers were coerced into participating in drug-fueled sex parties involving costumes, sex toys, and penile injections that induced painful erections.
These events allegedly took place between 2008 and 2015 in the Hamptons and various hotels in England, France, Italy, Morocco, and St. Barts, as stated in the indictment.
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