The former CEO of Abercrombie & Fitch has pleaded not guilty to charges related to human trafficking and prostitution

Disgraced former Abercrombie & Fitch CEO Michael Jeffries pleaded not guilty Friday to federal charges related to sex trafficking and interstate prostitution on Long Island, New York.

Jeffries, 80, his partner Matthew Smith of West Palm Beach and another associate, 71-year-old James Jacobson, were all arrested on Tuesday in Florida. Jacobson also pleaded not guilty to the charges against him, but Smith has not yet been charged.

Prosecutors on Tuesday alleged that the three men lured at least 15 men to attend sex parties by promising to let them pose in Abercrombie & Fitch clothing. The events took place between 2008 and 2015 in the Hamptons and at hotels in England, France, Italy, Morocco and St. Barts, according to the Associated Press.

Jacobson was the one who allegedly recruited the men at the time, and Jeffries served as CEO from 1992 to 2014.

Jeffries and Jacobson were released on bail, but Smith remains in custody due to his dual citizenship status in the United States and the United Kingdom. Prosecutors expressed concern that Smith would try to flee the country if released.

“We are appalled and disgusted by the alleged conduct of Mr. Jeffries, whose employment at Abercrombie & Fitch Co. ended ten years ago,” the company said in its message statement on Wednesday on Instagram. “Speaking out and coming forward is not easy, and our thoughts remain with those who bravely spoke out as part of the federal investigation.”

“We have zero tolerance for any type of abuse, harassment or discrimination and are committed to fully cooperating with law enforcement authorities throughout the legal process,” the company added.

Misty Severi is the evening news reporter for Just The News. You can follow her on x for greater coverage.