Alarming new allegations have surfaced against former Abercrombie & Fitch CEO Mike Jeffries, along with Matthew Smith and James Jacobson, who all face accusations of sex trafficking and exploitation. For survivors, cases like these can bring a renewed sense of urgency to seek justice and hold those responsible accountable. If you or someone you know was impacted by forced or coerced commercial sexual activity, especially in connection with specific hotel brands, the team at Phillips Law Group is here to provide support and guidance.
“A 16-count indictment was unsealed today in federal court in Central Islip charging former Abercrombie & Fitch Co. (Abercrombie) Chief Executive Officer Michael Jeffries, along with Matthew Smith and James Jacobson, with sex trafficking and engaging in interstate prostitution,” the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York announced in a press release.
“The indictment alleges that between December 2008 and March 2015, Jeffries, Smith and Jacobson used a combination of force, fraud and coercion to traffic men while operating a prostitution enterprise.” The news release also noted that all three defendants were arrested.
“As alleged in the indictment, former CEO of Abercrombie Michael Jeffries, his partner Matthew Smith and their recruiter James Jacobson used their money and influence to prey on vulnerable men for their own sexual gratification,” stated United States Attorney Peace. “Today’s arrests show that my Office and our law enforcement partners will not rest until anyone who engages in sex trafficking or interstate prostitution, regardless of their wealth or power, is brought to justice.”
If you were forced or coerced into commercial sex acts, particularly if they involved Mike Jeffries, Matthew Smith, or James Jacobson, there are key factors that may support your case. At Phillips Law Group, we are here to explore the legal pathways available to you in these cases. The following are some guidelines to help determine if we can assist you in seeking justice.
Survivors of any age who experienced coercion or force are encouraged to reach out to our firm without delay. Whether the incidents occurred when you were a minor or as an adult, there are options for pursuing justice, especially if there is supporting evidence.
Incidents that took place in connection with well-known hotel chains may qualify for specific legal action. We work with survivors to understand the circumstances surrounding their cases, particularly where certain brands may have been involved. Please contact us today to discuss your options.
If red flags were visible during your hotel stays — indicators of trafficking that may have been apparent to hotel staff or others — this information could be important for your case involving Mike Jeffries, Matthew Smith, or James Jacobson.
Having identifying details about the trafficker, whether through name, alias, or a description, is helpful but not required. Our attorneys can discuss your personal circumstances and help you determine the best course of legal action.
If non-consensual explicit content was distributed online as part of the exploitation, this information may support a claim against Mike Jeffries, Matthew Smith, or James Jacobson.
The journey to justice can be daunting, but you do not have to face it alone. At Phillips Law Group, we are here to listen, provide support, and help guide survivors through the legal process with compassion and respect.
If you or someone you know has experienced forced or coerced commercial sexual activity, particularly in connection with certain hotel brands or involving individuals like Mike Jeffries, Matthew Smith, or James Jacobson, legal options may be available to you.
Together, we can work toward accountability and healing. Please call Phillips Law Group at 602-222-2222 to learn more about your options now.
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