New York - Michael Jeffries, the former CEO of Abercrombie & Fitch, is reportedly unfit to stand trial on sex trafficking charges due to advanced dementia. Both prosecution and defense teams have acknowledged his condition.
Legal documents submitted to a New York federal court by Jeffries' attorneys indicate that the 80-year-old requires constant care. Medical evaluations cite Alzheimer's disease, Lewy body dementia, and the lasting effects of a traumatic brain injury as the reasons for his condition.
To potentially enable the criminal proceedings to move forward, both prosecutors and defense are requesting a federal judge to place Jeffries in the custody of the Bureau of Prisons for a period of up to four months. During this time, he would be hospitalized and receive treatment.
Jeffries was released on a $10 million bond after entering a not-guilty plea in October to charges of sex trafficking and interstate prostitution.
The prosecution alleges that Jeffries, along with his partner and an accomplice, enticed men to participate in drug-fueled sex parties held in locations including New York City and the Hamptons, promising them modeling opportunities with the Abercrombie & Fitch brand.
Jeffries’ legal team stated that at least four medical experts have determined that his cognitive impairment is "progressive and incurable," indicating he will not regain competency. The doctors also noted that Jeffries' cognitive state significantly impacts his comprehension of the charges and his ability to assist in his defense.
Forensic psychiatrist Dr. Alexander Bardey and forensic psychologist Dr. Cheryl Paradis, stated that the progressive nature of his neurocognitive disorder guarantees ongoing deterioration, further diminishing his already limited functional capacity. Their assessment concluded that Jeffries is not competent to participate in the ongoing legal case and that his competency cannot be restored.
Jeffries departed Abercrombie & Fitch in 2014, following over two decades of leadership. His tenure saw the transformation of the company from its origins as a Manhattan hunting and outdoor goods store, established in 1892, into a prominent fixture of teen mall culture in the early 2000s.
Matthew Smith, Jeffries' partner, and James Jacobson, a co-defendant, have also entered not-guilty pleas and are currently released on bond.