Former Abercrombie CEO pleads not guilty to federal sex-trafficking charges

The former CEO of preppy clothing store Abercrombie & Fitch has pleaded not guilty. federal assembly according to the report, he and other male models sold at sex parties.

An attorney for 80-year-old Michael Jeffries made a statement on his behalf in federal court in West Islip, Long Island, on Friday. Associated Press reported

Jeffries, who was released on $10 million bail, did not comment after the hearing.

He is due back in court on December 12.

“Today’s hearing was procedural, bond was set to ensure Michael’s appearance in court, and of course we entered a plea of ​​not guilty,” his attorney, Brian Bieber, told the AP in an email.

Prosecutors say Jeffries, his romantic partner Matthew Smith and 71-year-old James Jacobson lured the men to sex parties with promises of modeling for the retailer.

They allege the 15 accusers were induced by “force, fraud and coercion” to participate in sex parties where men were given Viagra and muscle relaxants and told to wear costumes and use sex toys.

The parties took place between 2008 and 2015 in New York and in the wealthy seaside neighborhood of the Hamptons, where Jeffries had a home.

They have also been held all over the world, including England, France, Italy, Morocco and St. Barth.

“They spent millions of dollars on a massive infrastructure to support this operation and keep it secret,” U.S. Attorney Breon Peace said when the charges were announced earlier this week.

Jeffries left Abercrombie & Fitch in 2014.

Jacobson pleaded not guilty and was released on $500,000 bail.

Smith, 61, who holds dual US-British citizenship, was detained after prosecutors expressed concern that he might flee.