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Former Abercrombie CEO Mike Jeffries Pleads Not Guilty to Sex Trafficking Charges
Former Abercrombie & Fitch CEO Mike Jeffries has pleaded not guilty to charges of sex trafficking and interstate prostitution in a New York federal court. Jeffries, who appeared emotionless in a navy blue suit, entered the plea through his lawyers as he faced serious allegations of exploiting vulnerable young men. His middleman, James Jacobson, also pleaded not guilty in a subsequent hearing. Jeffries’ partner, Matthew Smith, is expected to face the same charges in court soon.
Federal prosecutors accuse Jeffries, Smith, and Jacobson of using force, fraud, and coercion to conduct “violent and exploitive” sexual acts.
During the brief court hearing, the judge placed Jeffries under house arrest, allowing him to leave only for medical appointments, legal meetings, and religious events. Jeffries posted a $10 million bond, using his home in Fisher Island, New York, as collateral, with his wife, Susan, agreeing to the bond conditions.
The case gained further attention with the presence of David Bradberry, one of the alleged victims, who sat in the front row of the courtroom as the charges were read. Prosecutors allege that Jeffries and his partner preyed on “dozens” of men seeking fashion careers, exploiting them at lavish events guarded by staff and security. The indictment lists 15 unnamed victims, and if convicted, Jeffries, Smith, and Jacobson could face life in prison for sex trafficking and up to 20 years for interstate prostitution.
Jeffries and Jacobson have been released on bond, while Smith remains in custody. The trial will continue as investigations unfold, with the potential for additional arrests related to the alleged operation.
News
Over 200 Dead in Devastating Valencia Floods as Spain Faces Unrelenting Rain
Authorities in Spain report that at least 205 people have died as catastrophic floods continue to ravage multiple regions, with rescue and recovery operations ongoing. The Valencia region is the hardest hit, where 202 fatalities have been confirmed. A temporary morgue has been set up in a convention center to handle the overwhelming number of victims, and local officials caution that more bodies may still be discovered.
The crisis has also claimed lives in other regions: two victims in Castilla-La Mancha and another in Andalusia. As heavy rain persists, the Spanish government has mobilized the military and hundreds of volunteers to aid in rescue efforts and assist with the massive cleanup.
Valencia has become a scene of extensive damage, with vehicles scattered along mud-choked streets and community members joining forces to clear debris. Despite the difficult circumstances, the sight of people coming together has provided a glimmer of hope amid the devastation.
The situation remains dire, as Spain’s state meteorological agency warns that adverse weather will continue through the weekend. An orange alert remains in place for several areas, including the Balearic Islands—Ibiza, Mallorca, Menorca, and Formentera—where “significant risk” from severe storms and heavy rainfall has been forecasted.
In Castilla-La Mancha, search operations are intensifying for five missing people in the town of Letur. Over 200 troops and volunteers, equipped with heavy machinery and search dogs, are combing a 5-kilometer radius, with particular focus on Letur’s historic center. Letur’s mayor, Sergio Marín, reassured affected families, pledging, “No administration is going to leave them alone.”
Meanwhile, red alerts have been downgraded to orange for Huelva’s coastline, but new orange warnings have been issued for the Balearic Islands. A pinned update from AEMET’s Balearic section highlights the escalating threat of “showers and storms” across the islands, signaling continued caution for residents and visitors.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer expressed his solidarity with Spain, writing on X: “The UK stands with Spain during this difficult time. My thoughts are with those who have lost their lives, their families, and all those affected by the extreme flooding.”
News
Eight Killed in Serbia Railway Station Canopy Collapse
Eight people lost their lives when a concrete canopy at a railway station in Novi Sad, northern Serbia, tragically collapsed. The incident occurred around noon local time (11:00 GMT), while people were seated on benches under the overhang, according to reports from Radio Television of Serbia (RTS).
Serbia’s Interior Minister Ivica Dacic confirmed the casualties and provided an update on the situation. Two individuals remain hospitalized, including a man who suffered severe injuries requiring the amputation of both legs.
Emergency responders continue to work tirelessly at the scene, maintaining contact with two additional survivors still trapped beneath the rubble, one of whom is a young girl. The rescue efforts are ongoing as authorities work to reach those in need.
News
Elon Musk Ordered to Court Over $1M Voter Cash Giveaway Controversy
Elon Musk has been summoned to a Philadelphia court on Thursday following a lawsuit alleging his $1 million daily giveaways to registered voters may violate electoral laws. The giveaways, managed through Musk’s political group, America PAC, involve awarding cash prizes to voters in key battleground states who sign a petition and pledge support for the U.S. Constitution. Prosecutors argue the initiative might qualify as an “illegal lottery,” potentially influencing the upcoming election.
Philadelphia District Attorney Lawrence Krasner, who filed the suit, emphasized the urgency, stating Musk “must be stopped, immediately, before the upcoming presidential election.” The case will be heard at 10:00 EST (14:00 GMT) in Philadelphia.
Musk, a supporter of Donald Trump, launched the program in early October, offering $1 million prizes to registered voters in swing states such as Pennsylvania, Georgia, Nevada, Arizona, Wisconsin, Michigan, and North Carolina. The cash giveaways are scheduled to run until November 5, days before the 2024 election, which is anticipated to be a tight race between Trump and Democratic candidate Kamala Harris.
The giveaway has raised concerns as it requires participants to submit personal information, including addresses and phone numbers. While Musk has denied any wrongdoing, asserting the campaign is purely civic, officials argue that the practice may breach electoral rules. The court’s ruling could set an important precedent regarding election-related giveaways in the U.S.
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