Former Abercrombie & Fitch CEO Faces Competency Hearing in Sex Trafficking Case
Staff Editor Former Abercrombie & Fitch CEO May Have Dementia, Lawyers Claim
Defense attorneys for Michael Jeffries, the former CEO of Abercrombie & Fitch, have requested a competency hearing to determine if their client is fit to face sex trafficking charges. The lawyers claim that Jeffries, 80, may be suffering from dementia, potentially impacting his ability to stand trial.
A neuropsychologist’s examination suggests Jeffries likely has dementia with behavioral disturbance, Alzheimer’s disease, and Lewy body dementia. The assessment identified cognitive impairments including impaired memory, diminished attention, slow processing speed, and ease of confusion, which may prevent Jeffries from effectively assisting his attorneys.
Both defense lawyers and prosecutors have proposed a two-day competency hearing in June, where experts who evaluated Jeffries are expected to testify. Following the hearing, a ruling on Jeffries’ competency to stand trial will be made. Prosecutors have declined to comment further on the matter.
Jeffries, who is currently free on a $10 million bond, pleaded not guilty to federal sex trafficking and interstate prostitution charges in October. The allegations involve Jeffries and associates luring men into drug-fueled sex parties with promises of modeling opportunities for Abercrombie & Fitch ads.
The indictment accuses Jeffries of coercing 15 individuals into sex parties from 2008 to 2015, with events taking place in various locations including New York City, the Hamptons, and international sites such as England, France, Italy, Morocco, and St. Barts. Accusers were allegedly forced to wear costumes, use sex toys, and undergo painful injections.
Jeffries led Abercrombie & Fitch for over two decades before leaving in 2014. During his tenure, the brand was known for its preppy aesthetic and marketing campaigns featuring shirtless male models.
As the case unfolds, the upcoming competency hearing will play a crucial role in determining whether Jeffries will face trial for the serious charges against him.
