Mike Jeffries, the former CEO of Abercrombie & Fitch, has entered a plea of not guilty regarding serious charges related to an alleged international sex trafficking and prostitution ring that he is accused of operating during his tenure at the clothing retailer.

The 80-year-old Jeffries, who helmed Abercrombie from 1992 to 2014, appeared before a federal judge in Central Islip, New York, where he faced 16 criminal charges in total. Notably, he was spotted in court wearing an ankle monitor discreetly hidden under his sock, according to reports from the New York Post.

His associate, James Jacobson, also pleaded not guilty alongside him, while Jeffries’ partner, Matthew Smith, a dual citizen of the U.S. and the UK, has been ordered to remain in custody and will enter a plea later. All three men are facing the same allegations.

Prosecutors allege that the scheme operated between 2008 and 2015. Jacobson is said to have acted as a recruiter, compensating men for sex and selecting those who would be flown to locations like Manhattan, the Hamptons, and various countries worldwide to satisfy Jeffries’ and Smith’s alleged sexual appetites. Victims were reportedly misled into believing they could secure modeling jobs, while the actual intent was to fulfill the defendants’ desires without damaging Jeffries’ public image.

The indictment claims that victims were coerced into consuming alcohol, Viagra, and muscle relaxants; using sex toys; and engaging in non-consensual sexual acts. They were also required to sign nondisclosure agreements. Prosecutors have identified dozens of male victims, including 15 named in the indictment.

If convicted of sex trafficking, each defendant could face between 15 years to life in prison, while a conviction for interstate prostitution could result in sentences of up to 20 years.

These charges resonate with allegations from a 2023 BBC investigation and ongoing private lawsuits representing Jeffries’ accusers. Although Abercrombie has also faced legal action, the company has denied any knowledge of Jeffries’ alleged misconduct, and it has not been charged in this criminal case.

“The allegations are appalling and disgusting,” an Abercrombie spokesperson said in a statement following the initial public revelations in October 2023. They also indicated that the prosecution lacks evidence to suggest any incidents occurred on company property.

Under Jeffries’ leadership, Abercrombie evolved into a favored brand among teenagers, thanks in part to provocative marketing strategies featuring semi-nude models. He stepped down amid declining sales and growing criticism regarding his disconnect from the evolving preferences of customers.