close
close

Guiltandivy

Source for News

WI man arrested for sex trafficking, interstate prostitution case involving former Abercrombie CEO
Update Information

WI man arrested for sex trafficking, interstate prostitution case involving former Abercrombie CEO

One of three men arrested in connection with a sex trafficking and interstate prostitution case has been identified as a 71-year-old man from Rice Lake, Wisconsin, according to federal authorities.

On Tuesday, the U.S. Attorney's Office said three people — including 80-year-old Michael Jeffries, the former CEO of Abercrombie & Fitch Co. — were arrested for their alleged involvement in the case. While Jeffries and 61-year-old Matthew Smith are listed as residents of West Palm Beach, Florida, the third man has been identified as James Jacobson of Rice Lake. The men also called themselves “Jim Jake,” “Mrs. Cook” and “Todd,” according to court documents.

RELATED: Former Abercrombie & Fitch boss Mike Jeffries arrested on federal sex trafficking charges

All three men face charges of one count of sex trafficking and 15 counts of interstate prostitution. The charge of human trafficking for sexual exploitation carries a maximum sentence of life imprisonment, while the minimum sentence is 15 years. The charge of interstate prostitution now carries a maximum prison sentence of 20 years if convicted.

All three men were arrested Tuesday morning. Barron County Sheriff Chris Fitzgerald says his office helped the FBI arrest Jacobson just outside the town of Rice Lake.

An indictment filed in the Eastern District of New York alleges that Jacobson was employed by Jeffries and Smith to recruit, interview and hire men to perform commercial sex acts for Jeffries and Smith, including at properties in Watermill and New York , New York. The full indictment can be found at CLICK HERE — alleges all three men used a combination of force, fraud and coercion in operating a prostitution business to sell men.

Federal authorities said at least one of the multiple victims was 19 years old and some victims had either worked at Abercrombie stores or were models for the company. Anyone suspected of being a victim in this case is asked to contact the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI.

While all three men will be arraigned later in New York, Jacobson will appear in federal court in St. Paul sometime Tuesday afternoon. The other two are making their first court appearances in the Southern District of Florida.

Check back for updates on this developing story.

LEAVE A RESPONSE

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *