The former CEO of Abercrombie & Fitch, Michael Jeffries, is facing sex charges, and his defense lawyers are claiming that he may have dementia. They have requested a competency hearing to determine if Jeffries is capable of assisting in his defense. A neuropsychologist who examined Jeffries concluded that he likely has dementia with behavioral disturbance, Alzheimer’s disease, and Lewy body dementia, which has led to cognitive impairments such as impaired memory, diminished attention, processing speed slowness, and confusion. Both defense lawyers and prosecutors have suggested that experts who have evaluated Jeffries testify at a two-day competency hearing in June to determine his competency. Jeffries, who is 80 years old, is currently free on $10 million bond after pleading not guilty to federal sex trafficking and interstate prostitution charges in October.
The allegations against Jeffries involve luring men into drug-fueled sex parties in the Hamptons, on Long Island, by promising them opportunities to model for Abercrombie & Fitch ads. Prosecutors have accused Jeffries, his romantic partner, and a third man of inducing men through “force, fraud, and coercion” to participate in sex parties from 2008 to 2015 in various locations, including New York City, the Hamptons, and international hotels. The indictment revealed in October mentioned 15 accusers who were allegedly subjected to wearing costumes, using sex toys, and enduring painful erection-inducing penile injections at these parties. Jeffries, who led Abercrombie & Fitch for over two decades, left the company in 2014.
The defense lawyers for Jeffries are seeking to establish his competency to stand trial due to his suspected dementia and cognitive impairments. The neuropsychologist’s findings suggest that Jeffries may not be capable of assisting his attorneys in the legal proceedings. Both the defense and prosecution have agreed to have experts who evaluated Jeffries testify at a competency hearing scheduled for June. Jeffries’ legal team is focused on ensuring that he receives a fair trial and that his medical condition is considered in the legal process. The spokesperson for prosecutors has declined to comment further on the case.
The allegations against Jeffries and his co-defendants involve a pattern of illegal activities at sex parties that took place over several years in various locations around the world. The prosecution has accused them of using manipulation and coercion to engage the victims in these activities, which included wearing costumes, using sex toys, and undergoing painful procedures. Jeffries, who was once a prominent figure in the fashion industry, has been embroiled in a legal battle that has raised questions about his mental health and ability to participate in his defense. The upcoming competency hearing will determine the next steps in the legal proceedings against Jeffries.
