Former Abercrombie & Fitch CEO Michael Jeffries Declared Competent for Trial Amid Conflicting Medical Opinions
NEW YORK (AP) — Federal prison authorities have declared Michael Jeffries, the 81-year-old former CEO of Abercrombie & Fitch, competent to stand trial on federal sex trafficking and interstate prostitution charges. This critical assessment comes after Jeffries was hospitalized for several months following diagnoses of Alzheimer’s disease, Lewy body dementia, and a traumatic brain injury.
Conflicting Medical Assessments Set Stage for Crucial Hearing
Blake Lott, the acting warden at the Federal Medical Center in Butner, North Carolina, formally informed a federal court in New York on Wednesday that Jeffries is “now competent to stand trial.” This evaluation stands in stark contrast to previous medical opinions. Before his hospitalization, at least four medical professionals retained by the defense had concluded that Jeffries’ cognitive issues were “progressive and incurable,” rendering him unable to comprehend the nature and consequences of the case or effectively participate in his defense. Jeffries was discharged from FMC-Butner on November 21, according to court filings.
Brian Bieber, an attorney for Jeffries, swiftly responded to the Bureau of Prisons’ finding, stating, “A doctor from the Bureau of Prisons is of a different opinion. We look forward to the Judge hearing the medical evidence, and deciding on the appropriate course of action moving forward.” The contrasting medical assessments set the stage for a crucial telephone conference scheduled for Thursday with U.S. District Court Judge Nusrat Choudhury, where the focus will be on the status of the case and Jeffries’ competency.
Allegations of Sex Trafficking and Interstate Prostitution
Jeffries pleaded not guilty last year to the federal charges. Prosecutors allege that Jeffries, along with his romantic partner Matthew Smith and co-defendant James Jacobson, exploited the promise of modeling jobs to lure men into drug-fueled sex parties. These alleged events reportedly took place in various high-profile locations, including New York City and the Hamptons. The federal indictment echoes earlier accusations of sexual misconduct that had surfaced in civil cases and media reports in recent years, casting a shadow over his post-Abercrombie career.
Background and Case Status
The court had ordered Jeffries’ hospitalization in May for up to four months, a measure intended to facilitate treatment that might allow his criminal case to proceed. Prior to this, he had been free on a substantial $10 million bond. His former partner, Matthew Smith, and co-defendant James Jacobson have also pleaded not guilty to related charges and remain out on bond.
Jeffries, who led the iconic American retail brand for more than two decades, abruptly departed Abercrombie & Fitch in 2014 amid declining sales and controversy surrounding the brand’s exclusive and often criticized marketing practices.
