Long before federal charges hit, there were concerns about former — and lawsuits that attacked the way he ran his company. Then, on Tuesday, he was charged with sex trafficking and interstate prostitution. This week's indictment alleges that Jeffries, his partner Matthew Smith, and a third man used the power of Abercrombie's brand to coerce dozens of men, many of whom hoped to become models for the brand, into "sex events.
" Prosecutors say the alleged sex-trafficking operation spanned from about 2008 to 2015; Jeffries was CEO from 1992 to 2014. Attorneys for Jeffries and Smith told Business Insider in statements that they would respond "in the courthouse." Abercrombie & Fitch said it was "appalled and disgusted" by the allegations against its former CEO.
Jeffries, who is reportedly now 80 years old, was hired by Les Wexner — the former CEO of Victoria's Secret and — to lead Abercrombie. (removed date here as it's above) He cut his teeth at department stores, eventually landing at Paul Harris, a now-defunct women's chain in the Midwest, where he worked in merchandising until it filed for bankruptcy. Under Jeffries' leadership, became the version with which teens of the 1990s and early 2000s were well acquainted.
He traded in its hunting and fishing garb and stuffy branding for low-rise jeans, logos everywhere, and tight tank tops. With its signature musky scent exuding from its stores, thumping dance music, and shirtless models who welcomed customers inside, the new Aber.