Former Abercrombie & Fitch CEO, Mike Jeffries, pleaded not guilty to charges of running an international sex trafficking scheme while leading the clothing retailer. The 80-year-old entered his plea to one count of sex trafficking and 15 counts of prostitution. James Jacobson, an employee of Jeffries, is also expected to enter a plea, while Jeffries’ partner, Matthew Smith, was ordered detained. Prosecutors allege that the scheme ran from 2008 to 2015, with victims led to believe they were pursuing modeling jobs, but were actually fulfilling Jeffries’ and Smith’s sexual desires. Victims were forced to consume alcohol, Viagra, and perform sex acts against their will, among other things. If convicted, each defendant faces 15 years to life in prison for sex trafficking and up to 20 years for interstate prostitution. The charges were brought following a BBC investigation and private litigation. Abercrombie & Fitch has denied knowledge of Jeffries’ alleged misconduct and was not charged in the criminal case. Jeffries, who resigned in 2014 amid falling sales and criticism, built Abercrombie into a popular brand with sexually charged marketing. The company says it has since transformed its culture into a values-driven organization since his departure.
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