Mike Jeffries, the former CEO of Abercrombie & Fitch, is undergoing scrutiny regarding his mental fitness to stand trial for allegations of sex trafficking and related offenses, as detailed by his lawyers who cite a diagnosis of dementia and probable late onset Alzheimer's disease.
Ex-Abercrombie CEO Faces Competency Hearing Amid Dementia Diagnosis
Ex-Abercrombie CEO Faces Competency Hearing Amid Dementia Diagnosis
Mike Jeffries' legal team claims he suffers from serious cognitive decline as he faces serious legal charges.
In a recent court document submitted in New York, lawyers for Mike Jeffries, who is 80 years old, have reported their client’s significant cognitive decline, leading them to request a competency hearing. This request is crucial as Jeffries faces federal charges related to operating an international sex trafficking business alongside his partner, Matthew Smith, and another accused middleman.
Both Jeffries and Smith were arrested in October for allegedly exploiting vulnerable aspiring models between 2008 and 2015. Federal prosecutors have accused them of using their wealth and influence to facilitate a coercive and violent sex trade, targeting young men globally. All three accused individuals have pleaded not guilty to the allegations and were subsequently released on bond.
Following a BBC investigation that uncovered claims of sexual exploitation tied to high-profile events, the FBI initiated an inquiry into Jeffries and Smith, described as central figures in a sophisticated recruitment network for sex acts. In October 2023, legal representatives for Jeffries revealed that a neuropsychologist had diagnosed him with two types of dementia, raising serious questions about his mental capacity to defend himself against the charges.
The court documents prepared by Jeffries' attorney, Brian Bieber, paint a stark picture of his client’s current state, suggesting that Jeffries no longer presents as a former corporate leader with advanced education, instead portraying someone unable to comprehend or assist in building a legal defense. A competency hearing has now been set to take place over two days in June 2025.
In a wider context, Jeffries, who stepped down from Abercrombie & Fitch in 2014 and received a considerable retirement package, is also entangled in a civil lawsuit that claims the company funded his alleged criminal activities. Recently, he has sought reimbursement for his legal fees from Abercrombie, asserting that the brand agreed to indemnify him against claims arising from his executive role.
Both Jeffries and Smith were arrested in October for allegedly exploiting vulnerable aspiring models between 2008 and 2015. Federal prosecutors have accused them of using their wealth and influence to facilitate a coercive and violent sex trade, targeting young men globally. All three accused individuals have pleaded not guilty to the allegations and were subsequently released on bond.
Following a BBC investigation that uncovered claims of sexual exploitation tied to high-profile events, the FBI initiated an inquiry into Jeffries and Smith, described as central figures in a sophisticated recruitment network for sex acts. In October 2023, legal representatives for Jeffries revealed that a neuropsychologist had diagnosed him with two types of dementia, raising serious questions about his mental capacity to defend himself against the charges.
The court documents prepared by Jeffries' attorney, Brian Bieber, paint a stark picture of his client’s current state, suggesting that Jeffries no longer presents as a former corporate leader with advanced education, instead portraying someone unable to comprehend or assist in building a legal defense. A competency hearing has now been set to take place over two days in June 2025.
In a wider context, Jeffries, who stepped down from Abercrombie & Fitch in 2014 and received a considerable retirement package, is also entangled in a civil lawsuit that claims the company funded his alleged criminal activities. Recently, he has sought reimbursement for his legal fees from Abercrombie, asserting that the brand agreed to indemnify him against claims arising from his executive role.
