Former Abercrombie & Fitch CEO Michael S. Jeffries has been declared unfit to stand trial for alleged sex trafficking due to severe Alzheimer’s, leaving dozens of accusers without their day in court.
At a Glance
- Judge Nusrat J. Choudhury ruled 80-year-old Jeffries mentally incompetent to face sex trafficking charges
- Three medical evaluations confirmed Jeffries suffers from severe dementia, Alzheimer’s, and other cognitive impairments
- Jeffries is accused of running a sophisticated operation targeting young men with promises of modeling careers
- Over 40 men have filed civil allegations dating back to 1992
- The court ordered a four-month hospitalization to determine if his condition might improve
Serious Allegations Halted by Medical Diagnosis
Michael S. Jeffries, who transformed Abercrombie & Fitch into a retail powerhouse in the 1990s and early 2000s, has been spared from facing serious criminal charges after a judge determined he was “suffering from a mental disease or defect rendering him mentally incompetent.” The 80-year-old former CEO was indicted for allegedly running an international sex-trafficking operation from 2008 to 2015, using his corporate influence to coerce young men into sexual activities with promises of modeling opportunities.
The case against Jeffries came to light following a BBC investigation and subsequent class-action lawsuit filed in 2023. Prosecutors claim Jeffries, along with his partners Matthew Smith and James Jacobson, operated a sophisticated network that recruited vulnerable young men for sex parties across major cities. According to court documents, victims were not allowed to leave these events and were forced to consume alcohol, drugs, and erectile dysfunction medication.
Medical Evidence and Court Decision
Judge Choudhury’s decision followed comprehensive neuropsychological evaluations conducted in October after Jeffries’ defense team raised concerns about his ability to participate in his defense. Defense attorneys Brian H. Bieber and Alek Ubieta presented medical evidence from three doctors confirming that Jeffries suffers from severe dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, Lewy Body disease, and complications from a traumatic brain injury.
“His memory impairment almost certainly would cause him to be unable to accurately recall key events and details,” said Dr. Cheryl Paradis in her evaluation, adding that Jeffries was “[in]capable of assisting his attorney in his own defense.”
The court mandated that Jeffries undergo a four-month hospitalization period, during which medical professionals will monitor his condition and determine whether any improvement might allow the case to proceed. If his condition does not improve, charges could potentially be dropped, or he might be released to home confinement with continued medical supervision.
Victims Left Without Justice
The ruling has left dozens of alleged victims disappointed and without immediate recourse in the criminal justice system. Attorneys Brad Edwards and Brittany Henderson, who represent multiple accusers, expressed their clients’ frustration: “We’ve been speaking with our clients who are disappointed by the decision and still want justice.” Edwards further emphasized the severity of the allegations, stating, “Mike Jeffries attacked these men and ruined their lives at a point when they were at their most vulnerable and chasing their dreams.”
Former U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District Breon Peace previously stated that the defendants “used their money and influence to prey on vulnerable men for their own sexual gratification.” The accusations against Jeffries include significant spending on what was termed a “secret staff” to manage events and silence victims.
Legal Implications and Pending Cases
While Jeffries has been deemed unfit for trial, his co-defendants Smith and Jacobson may still face prosecution on the same charges. Additionally, multiple civil lawsuits for rape, sex trafficking, and assault remain pending against Jeffries and Smith, though these proceedings have been paused until the resolution of the criminal case to protect Jeffries’ constitutional rights.
Abercrombie & Fitch itself is facing separate legal challenges, with a lawsuit accusing the company of negligence and facilitating Jeffries’ alleged criminal activities. The retail giant, which Jeffries led until his departure in 2014 amid declining sales and controversy over hypersexualized marketing, has previously settled other significant legal matters, including a $40 million racial discrimination lawsuit in 2004.
A competency hearing is scheduled for June to reassess Jeffries’ condition and determine whether the criminal case against him can proceed in any capacity. For now, the serious allegations against the former retail executive remain in legal limbo as his health condition takes precedence over prosecution.
