Former Abercrombie & Fitch CEO Michael Jeffries is mentally competent to stand trial on federal sex‑trafficking charges, a judge ruled, according to Headline USA.
Judge cites recorded calls and expert reports
U.S. District Judge Nusrat Choudhury wrote that Jeffries “clearly possesses a rational and factual understanding of the proceedings” and is a “reasonably intelligent person and skilled communicator” following his stay at a federal prison hospital in Butner, North Carolina, Headline USA reported. The judge said she reviewed testimony and written reports from medical experts and listened to hours of phone calls Jeffries made to his romantic partner, lawyers, and others while in custody.
“His presentation and responses in evaluations following his commitment to Butner and his phone calls show that he understands the structure of the criminal legal system, courtroom procedures, the functions of the various participants, the nature and purpose of the proceedings, and key legal concepts,” Choudhury wrote, per Headline USA.
Defense argued incurable decline
Jeffries’ lawyers contended he required around‑the‑clock care for Alzheimer’s disease, Lewy body dementia, and a traumatic brain injury, with experts testifying his cognitive issues were “progressive and incurable” and that he would not “regain his competency,” according to Headline USA. Judge Choudhury ordered Jeffries hospitalized to assess whether his condition could improve. After about four months at Butner, federal prison officials deemed him mentally fit to stand trial in December, Headline USA reported.
Trial schedule and allegations
Jeffries, 82, is free on bond and is slated to go on trial in late October alongside two co‑defendants—his partner Matthew Smith and staffer James Jacobson—Headline USA reported. A pretrial hearing is set for next Thursday. All three have pleaded not guilty to federal charges including sex trafficking and interstate prostitution.
Prosecutors allege the trio used the promise of modeling jobs to lure men to drug‑fueled sex parties in New York City, the Hamptons, and other locations, according to Headline USA. The criminal case echoes sexual misconduct accusations previously raised in a civil case and in media reports, the outlet noted.
Defense: ‘Tried inside the courtroom’
Jeffries’ attorney Brian Bieber declined to comment on the ruling. “We do not comment on the Judge’s rulings,” he wrote in an email, adding, “The case, and all related issues, will be tried inside the courtroom – not in the media,” per Headline USA.
Background
Jeffries left Abercrombie & Fitch in 2014 after more than two decades with the company, Headline USA reported.
