Source: BBC News [UK State Media]
“The British partner of former Abercrombie & Fitch CEO Mike Jeffries has pleaded not guilty to charges of sex trafficking and interstate prostitution. Matthew Smith, in a tan oversized shirt and black rimmed glasses, sat tight-lipped in New York federal court on Long Island as lawyers entered his plea The 61-year old was released under house arrest on condition of a $10m (£7.7m) bond. Mr Smith, along with Mr Jeffries, 80, and their alleged middleman James Jacobson, 71, were arrested in October and charged with running an international sex trafficking and prostitution business. Mr Jeffries and Mr Jacobson have also pleaded not guilty. Federal prosecutors have accused the trio of using force, fraud and coercion to make at least 15 young men engage in ‘violent’ and exploitative sex acts between 2008-2015.” (12/03/24)