CENTRAL ISLIP, N.Y. — Defense attorneys for Michael Jeffries, the former CEO of Abercrombie & Fitch, are seeking a competency hearing to assess his ability to stand trial on serious sex offense charges. Court documents reveal concerns about Jeffries’ mental state, with indications that he may be suffering from dementia.
A neuropsychologist’s evaluation, conducted in October, suggested that Jeffries is likely dealing with dementia characterized by behavioral disturbances, as well as potential Alzheimer’s disease and Lewy body dementia. The assessment noted significant cognitive impairments, including memory issues, reduced attention span, slower processing speed, and a propensity for confusion, which may hinder Jeffries’ ability to assist his legal team effectively.
In a collaborative letter submitted to the presiding judge, the defense and prosecution proposed a two-day competency hearing in June, during which experts who evaluated Jeffries would provide testimony. The prosecution has opted not to comment further on the case at this time.
Jeffries, 80, is currently released on a $10 million bond after pleading not guilty to federal charges of sex trafficking and interstate prostitution last October. Prosecutors allege that Jeffries, alongside his romantic partner and another individual, engaged in deceptive practices to lure men into drug-fueled sex parties in the Hamptons, leveraging the allure of modeling opportunities for Abercrombie’s advertisements.
Having led Abercrombie for over two decades, Jeffries departed from the retailer in 2014, during which it gained notoriety for its preppy aesthetic and provocative marketing strategies.
The indictment unveiled last October detailed allegations involving 15 accusers who were reportedly coerced through “force, fraud, and coercion” into participating in sex parties from 2008 to 2015, occurring not only in New York City and the Hamptons but also in various luxury destinations across Europe and beyond. Disturbingly, witnesses claim that participants were often instructed to wear costumes, utilize sex toys, and endure painful procedures aimed at inducing erections.
