The retail clothing company Abercrombie & Fitch has survived economic recessions and multiple scandals since it was founded in New York in the 1800’s. The rise and fall of the company has been widely reported on, multiple times. Lawsuits, rumors, and public incidents have not stopped the retail giant from continually rising from the ashes.

During the 1990’s and early 2000’s the company’s CEO was Michael “Mike” Jeffries, who was known to upset the public at times with his commentary about who their ideal customer is, later apologizing for his statements. In 2023 Abercrombie & Fitch faced a lawsuit alleging sexual abuse by Mike Jeffries.

Michael Jeffries, 80, was arrested on October 22, 2024 in relation to a 16-count indictment that accuses him of criminal sexual behavior dating back to 1992. The former CEO was released after posting $10 million for bond.

The 16-count indictment also charged Jeffries partner, Matthew Smith, alleging that he played a role in the crimes. Michael Jeffries wife is not charged in the indictment.

In the criminal indictment, Jeffries and his partner, Matthew Smith, are accused of seeking out hopeful male models to attend “sex events” hosted by Jeffries. The indictment claims that Jeffries used deceptive tactics to recruit individuals to events he hosted. Among the disturbing details are allegations that he injected individuals with drugs that would force them to take part in the sexual acts with or without their consent.

The crimes that are alleged in the downloadable document below are a typical pattern of coercion. Offering vulnerable individuals money, drugs, and/or success in exchange for their trust, of which later leads to the individual being sexually or otherwise physically and/or emotionally victimized. The crimes that Michael Jeffries is accused of follow that common pattern as seen in many other civil and criminal lawsuits involving wealthy business owners across the country.

The indictment is available in the timeline below. 

Anyone who may have been a victim of Jeffries is encouraged to contact the FBI as they continue to investigate allegations against Jeffries at 1-800-CALL-FBI.