$1 MILLION SETTLEMENT WITH MARC JACOBS INTERNATIONAL

New York, NY (November 19, 2008) - Attorney General Andrew M. Cuomo and Inspector General Joseph Fisch announced today that Marc Jacobs International has paid New York State $1 million for its conduct related to payments made to the former superintendent of the 69th Regiment Armory, James Jackson, for use of the Armory's drill hall to host fashion shows. Cuomo and Fisch also announced that Jackson has pled guilty to the top count of a larceny and bribery indictment for demanding cash from Armory exhibitors over an eight-year period.

The agreement with the fashion house of Marc Jacobs International, a subsidiary of international luxury goods giant Louis Vuitton Moet Hennessy, stems from allegations that the firm made cash payments, through an agent, to the defendant Jackson in exchange for use of the Armory’s drill hall. Once Jackson’s conduct was brought to the attention of Marc Jacobs’ executives they cooperated fully with the Office of the Attorney General and today’s agreement resolves the investigation with respect to Marc Jacobs. More...