Partner also charged

Fashion czar allegedly sexually abused 15 men

Michael Jeffries (right) is accused of multiple counts of abuse as well as running a prostitution ring.

(Bild: APA/AP)

The former head of the US fashion company Abercrombie & Fitch, Mike Jeffries, has been charged in New York with serious sex crimes against prospective models. In total, the 80-year-old is accused of abusing at least 15 people. The acts are said to have taken place between 2008 and 2015. His partner at the time and another person have also been charged.

Just over a year ago, several men accused Jeffries and his partner of sexually exploiting them at events. According to media reports, the couple used an intermediary to find young men for themselves. Jeffries left the company in 2014. The now 80-year-old created a controversial image in the past with statements that he only wanted "cool, good-looking people" as customers.

Public prosecutor Breon Peace informs the public about the charges against Michael Jeffries.

(Bild: APA/AFP/ANGELA WEISS)

Men had been selected worldwide. Jeffries' partner then arranged for them to be flown to events with the company boss, for example to New York City or to hotels around the world - including England, France, Italy and Morocco. "They led the men to believe that attending these sex events could provide modeling opportunities with Abercrombie or otherwise benefit their careers," District Attorney Breon Peace said Tuesday.

The alleged victims had signed confidentiality agreements prior to the events. Personal items such as smartphones also had to be handed over. "In order to maintain the secrecy of these events, the defendants led the men to believe that it could harm their careers if they did not comply with requests to engage in certain sexual acts during the events," the prosecutor continued.

Jeffries released after posting bail
On more than one occasion there had been "invasive sexual and violent contact with body parts and other objects" without consent. "We have extensive evidence. We have travel records, we have financial records, we have statements from victims and other witnesses. So we believe we have a lot of evidence to support the charges in this case," Peace explained.

According to the public prosecutor's office, Jeffries has been released on bail of ten million dollars (around 9.24 million euros) following a brief arrest.