Ex-Abercrombie CEO's Lawyers Question His Competency to Face Sex Charges

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What's New

Defense attorneys for former Abercrombie & Fitch CEO Michael Jeffries have requested a competency hearing, citing concerns that he may have dementia, which could affect his ability to stand trial on sex-related charges.

Jeffries' attorneys revealed in unsealed federal court filings in Central Islip, Long Island, that an October evaluation by a neuropsychologist suggested Jeffries likely suffers from dementia with behavioral disturbance, Alzheimer's disease and Lewy body dementia.

Why It Matters

In October, Jeffries was arrested by authorities in Florida on charges of sex trafficking-related offenses following a 2023 lawsuit filed by a former model for the brand and fifteen anonymous plaintiffs.

Prosecutors allege that Jeffries, along with his romantic partner and another man, enticed individuals to participate in drug-fueled sex parties in the Hamptons by offering the prospect of modeling opportunities for Abercrombie & Fitch advertising campaigns.

Jeffries, 80, remains free on a $10 million bond after pleading not guilty in October to federal charges of sex trafficking and interstate prostitution.

What To Know

Jeffries' attorneys stated in court filings that the neuropsychologist determined his cognitive impairments—such as memory loss, reduced attention span, slowed processing speed and a tendency to become easily confused—render him unable to effectively assist in his defense.

In a joint letter to the judge, attorneys for both the defense and prosecution proposed a two-day competency hearing in June, during which experts who evaluated Jeffries would testify, paving the way for a ruling on his competency. A spokesperson for the prosecution declined to comment further to The Associated Press on Tuesday.

Jeffries' Time as Abercrombie & Fitch CEO

Jeffries stepped down from Abercrombie & Fitch in 2014 after more than two decades at the helm, during which time the brand became synonymous with its preppy, all-American image and provocative marketing featuring shirtless male models.

An indictment unsealed in October alleges that 15 individuals were coerced through "force, fraud and coercion" to participate in sex parties between 2008 and 2015. These events reportedly took place in New York City, the Hamptons—where Jeffries owns a home—and luxury hotels across England, France, Italy, Morocco and St. Barts.

Following his arrest in October, prosecutors have also charged two of Jeffries' associates: Matthew Smith of West Palm Beach, Florida, and James Jacobson of Wisconsin, in connection with the case.

According to an indictment previously obtained by Newsweek, under the guidance of Jeffries and Smith, staff managed security at the Sex Events, controlling entry and exit.

According to prosecutors, participants were at times instructed to wear costumes, use sex toys and undergo painful penile injections intended to induce erections.

What People Are Saying

In October, Jim Dennehy, assistant director in charge of the FBI, said in a statement: "What's alleged in the indictment is not only beyond disturbing, dishonorable and disgraceful, but, simply put, it's criminal."

Brett Bieber, attorney for Jeffries, told Newsweek: "We will respond in detail to the allegations after the indictment is unsealed, and when appropriate, but plan to do so in the courthouse—not the media."