Judge rules former Abercrombie CEO competent to face sex-trafficking charges

Judge Nusrat Choudhury of the U.S. District Court found that former Abercrombie & Fitch CEO Michael Jeffries possesses a rational grasp of the criminal proceedings, deeming him fit for trial despite months of treatment for dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, Lewy body dementia and a traumatic brain injury. The ruling was based on expert medical reports and Jeffries’ own phone conversations with his partner, attorneys and others while detained at a federal prison hospital in Butner, North Carolina.

Jeffries, now 82 and out on bond, will face trial in late October with partner Matthew Smith and staffer James Jacobson, all of whom have pleaded not guilty to federal sex-trafficking and interstate prostitution charges. Prosecutors allege the trio used promises of modeling work to entice men to drug-laden sex parties in New York City, the Hamptons and other venues. Jeffries’ defense had argued he required constant care and would never regain competency, prompting the judge to order a period of observation before the December determination of fitness. The case revives earlier civil allegations of sexual misconduct tied to the former retailer’s leadership.