In a significant legal development, a US federal court has ruled that former Abercrombie & Fitch CEO Mike Jeffries is mentally incompetent to stand trial on serious sex trafficking and prostitution charges. Judge Nusrat Choudhury concluded on Friday that Jeffries, 79, is suffering from dementia, late-onset Alzheimer’s disease, and other cognitive impairments that render him unable to understand court proceedings or assist in his own defense.
The ruling followed evaluations by two independent medical experts — one appointed by the defense and one by the prosecution. Both concluded that Jeffries’ mental health had deteriorated to the point of incompetency.
Hospitalization Ordered for Further Evaluation
The court ordered that Mr. Jeffries be hospitalized for up to four months for treatment and assessment to determine whether his condition might improve sufficiently for him to face trial in the future. Judge Choudhury indicated that the case could eventually proceed, be paused indefinitely, or even result in dismissal depending on his future condition.
Brian Bieber, Jeffries’ criminal defense attorney, said medical evaluations revealed his client suffers from Lewy Body disease, Alzheimer’s, and the effects of a traumatic brain injury—conditions that require 24/7 care and are expected to worsen.
Serious Charges and Widespread Allegations
Jeffries was arrested in October 2023 alongside his long-term partner Matthew Smith and their alleged middleman James Jacobson. The trio are accused of using their wealth and influence to recruit, exploit, and abuse young men, many of whom were aspiring models, in cities like London, Paris, New York, and Marrakesh.
The case followed an explosive 2023 BBC documentary and podcast series that uncovered a vast operation spanning decades. Over 40 men, including former Abercrombie & Fitch employees, have now come forward with allegations of sexual assault, drugging, or rape, some dating back to 1992.
Civil Lawsuits on Hold
Jeffries and Smith are also the subjects of multiple civil lawsuits accusing them of rape, sex trafficking, and assault. These proceedings have been paused pending the outcome of the criminal trial, as required to protect Jeffries’ constitutional rights.
Lawyers representing 26 alleged victims, Brad Edwards and Brittany Henderson, expressed disappointment at the court’s decision.
“We’ve been speaking with our clients who are disappointed by the decision and still want justice,” they told the BBC.
Remaining Defendants May Face Trial
While Jeffries’ trial is on hold, the court confirmed that Matthew Smith and James Jacobson could still be prosecuted on the same charges. Prosecutors allege that the three men used force, fraud, and coercion to carry out their crimes while Jeffries served as CEO between 2008 and 2015.
Expert Opinions on Competency
According to court filings, forensic psychologist Dr Cheryl Paradis—who examined Jeffries on behalf of prosecutors—found that his memory impairment would likely prevent him from recalling key facts, assisting in his defense, or behaving appropriately in a courtroom setting.
“His inappropriate behaviour, which is a symptom of his dementia, could interfere with courtroom proceedings,” Dr. Paradis stated. “He may blurt out self-incriminating statements or engage in erratic behavior that would undermine his credibility.”
For now, the legal future of the former fashion mogul remains uncertain as doctors attempt to determine whether he can be restored to competency. The ruling has reignited public debate over mental health, justice for survivors, and accountability for the powerful.
Related: Understanding dementia’s impact on legal competency | US sex trafficking laws and high-profile cases
