Ex-Abercrombie CEO Faces Competency Hearing Amid Dementia Claims in Sex Trafficking Case
Lawyers for Michael Jeffries, the former CEO of Abercrombie & Fitch, have stated that he may be suffering from dementia, raising questions about his ability to stand trial on federal sex trafficking and prostitution charges, New York Post reports.
In court documents unsealed Monday in federal court in Central Islip, New York, defense attorneys indicated that a neuropsychologist’s evaluation conducted in October found Jeffries likely has dementia with behavioral disturbances, Alzheimer’s disease, and Lewy body dementia.
The assessment suggests that Jeffries, 80, exhibits cognitive impairments, including memory loss, diminished attention, slow processing speed, and susceptibility to confusion, which could impair his ability to assist his legal team in mounting a defense. Based on these findings, the defense has requested a competency hearing, with prosecutors and defense attorneys agreeing that expert testimony should be presented during a two-day hearing scheduled for June.
Jeffries has pleaded not guilty to charges of federal sex trafficking and interstate prostitution. Prosecutors allege that he, along with his partner and a third individual, orchestrated drug-fueled sex parties in the Hamptons and other locations, enticing young men with promises of modeling opportunities for Abercrombie & Fitch.
The indictment, unveiled in October, details accusations from 15 individuals who claim they were coerced into these encounters between 2008 and 2015. The alleged incidents occurred in New York City, the Hamptons, and international locations including England, France, and Morocco. The indictment also describes practices such as the use of costumes, sex toys, and medically administered injections.
Jeffries is currently free on a $10 million bond. He stepped down as CEO of Abercrombie & Fitch in 2014 after leading the company for over two decades. Under his leadership, the brand gained fame for its preppy aesthetic and provocative marketing campaigns featuring shirtless male models.
Prosecutors declined to comment further on the case. Meanwhile, the upcoming competency hearing will determine whether Jeffries can stand trial or whether his reported cognitive impairments will preclude him from facing the charges.
