Ex-Abercrombie & Fitch CEO Mike Jeffries has pleaded not guilty to charges of sex trafficking and interstate prostitution. Lawyers entered the plea on behalf of Mr Jeffries in New York federal court on Long Island as he sat alongside them in court in a navy blue suit, his face expressionless. Sitting just one row behind Mr Jeffries was his alleged middleman, James Jacobson, who also pleaded not guilty during a hearing right after the ex-CEO.
Mr Jeffries’ British-American partner Matthew Smith, who faces the same charges, is expected to appear in New York court at a later date. Federal prosecutors have said the men used force, fraud and coercion to engage in “violent and exploitive” sexual acts. The FBI launched a probe into the former A&F CEO last year after a BBC investigation found several men who accused Mr Jeffries and Mr Smith of sexually abusing them at events they hosted in their New York residences and hotels around the world.
During a 10-minute court hearing on Friday in Long Island, New York Judge Steven Tiscione told Mr Jeffries he would be under house arrest, adding that he was only allowed to leave his homes in New York and Florida for medical appointments, visits with his lawyers and religious events. Mr Jeffries posted a $10m (£7.7m) bond using his house on Fisher Island in New York as collateral.
The hearing was attended by both Mr Jeffries’ son and wife, who had to agree to use their house for the bond, as she owns the property as well. The judge ask.
