Ex-Abercrombie CEO Michael Jeffries Ruled Unfit for Trial

A federal judge has ruled that former Abercrombie & Fitch CEO Michael Jeffries is mentally incompetent to stand trial on charges of sex trafficking and prostitution, citing diagnoses of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. Jeffries will be hospitalized for up to four months to determine if his mental condition can improve enough for the legal proceedings to continue. The decision was based on medical assessments from experts representing both the defense and prosecution, and follows claims by Jeffries’ lawyers that he is unable to understand the nature of the charges or assist in his defense. Jeffries, along with his romantic partner Matthew Smith and a third co-defendant, is accused of using promises of modeling opportunities to lure men into exploitative and abusive situations between 2008 and 2015. All three men have pleaded not guilty, and next steps could include further evaluation, trial, or the dismissal of charges depending on Jeffries’ medical progress. The investigation was partly spurred by media reports and documentaries highlighting the alleged abuse.