Ex-Abercrombie CEO Jeffries Pleads Not Guilty to US Charges (1)

Former Abercrombie & Fitch Chief Executive Officer Mike Jeffries pleaded not guilty to running a sex-trafficking ring that coerced young men to engage in sexual acts with him in hopes of a career in modeling for the brand.

Jeffries, 80, entered his plea in federal court on Friday after his arrest Tuesday along with two other men. The three were charged with one count of sex trafficking and 15 counts of interstate prostitution.

Mike Jeffries, center, exits federal court in Central Islip, New York, on Oct. 25.

Photographer: Yuki Iwamura/Bloomberg

Prosecutors for Breon Peace, the US attorney for the Eastern District of New York, allege Jeffries used his wealth and power to traffic men around ...