The former CEO of Abercrombie & Fitch faces serious legal challenges while battling dementia.
Ex-Abercrombie & Fitch CEO Declared Dementia-Ridden Amid Sex Trafficking Charges
Ex-Abercrombie & Fitch CEO Declared Dementia-Ridden Amid Sex Trafficking Charges
Mike Jeffries' legal team claims he cannot assist in his defense due to cognitive issues.
In a shocking revelation, the former CEO of Abercrombie & Fitch (A&F), Mike Jeffries, is reported to be suffering from dementia and late onset Alzheimer's disease, according to court documents submitted by his legal counsel in New York. Jeffries, 80, was arrested earlier this year alongside his partner and a middleman, facing federal charges for managing an international sex trafficking and prostitution ring. Both Jeffries and his partner, Matthew Smith, have entered pleas of not guilty.
A competency hearing, set to unfold over two days on June 16 and 17, 2025, aims to assess Jeffries' mental fitness to participate in his defense. US prosecutors allege that Jeffries exploited his substantial wealth and influence to traffic vulnerable young men for sexual activities catering to himself and his partner. This investigation gained traction following a BBC report that detailed claims of sexual exploitation linked to high-profile events they organized globally.
Following their arrests, Jeffries, Smith, and their intermediary, James Jacobson, who is also implicated, have been released on bond while they await trial. The legal team representing Jeffries highlighted that a neuropsychologist’s evaluations indicated he suffers from two distinct types of dementia, significantly impairing his cognitive abilities.
In the legal filing, Jeffries’ attorney, Brian Bieber, noted that during an initial consultation, the former fashion executive appeared markedly diminished compared to his previous years leading a major corporation. Bieber has raised concerns regarding Jeffries' capacity to aid in constructing a viable defense against the serious charges, stressing the requirement for an examination of his mental competency.
In 2014, Jeffries stepped down from his position at A&F, leaving with a substantial retirement package of $25 million. Additionally, he is currently involved in a civil lawsuit alongside the company, facing accusations of facilitating a sex trafficking scheme. Jeffries has initiated legal proceedings against A&F for declining to cover his legal expenses, asserting that the agreement with the retailer encompassed indemnification for claims stemming from his tenure.
Legal expert Heather Cucolo from New York Law School remarked on the tenuous intersection of dementia and legal proceedings, stating that the resolution regarding Jeffries' competency will hinge on evaluations from medical specialists. If deemed competent, the case will progress, but if not, prosecutors may have to drop the charges against Jeffries, leaving his co-defendants at risk of trial without his testimony.
With the public eye still on the high-profile case, further allegations are surfacing against Jeffries, indicating more men stepping forward with claims of exploitation at his hosted events. The case continues to unfold, echoing significant discussions surrounding mental health and accountability within the judicial arena.
A competency hearing, set to unfold over two days on June 16 and 17, 2025, aims to assess Jeffries' mental fitness to participate in his defense. US prosecutors allege that Jeffries exploited his substantial wealth and influence to traffic vulnerable young men for sexual activities catering to himself and his partner. This investigation gained traction following a BBC report that detailed claims of sexual exploitation linked to high-profile events they organized globally.
Following their arrests, Jeffries, Smith, and their intermediary, James Jacobson, who is also implicated, have been released on bond while they await trial. The legal team representing Jeffries highlighted that a neuropsychologist’s evaluations indicated he suffers from two distinct types of dementia, significantly impairing his cognitive abilities.
In the legal filing, Jeffries’ attorney, Brian Bieber, noted that during an initial consultation, the former fashion executive appeared markedly diminished compared to his previous years leading a major corporation. Bieber has raised concerns regarding Jeffries' capacity to aid in constructing a viable defense against the serious charges, stressing the requirement for an examination of his mental competency.
In 2014, Jeffries stepped down from his position at A&F, leaving with a substantial retirement package of $25 million. Additionally, he is currently involved in a civil lawsuit alongside the company, facing accusations of facilitating a sex trafficking scheme. Jeffries has initiated legal proceedings against A&F for declining to cover his legal expenses, asserting that the agreement with the retailer encompassed indemnification for claims stemming from his tenure.
Legal expert Heather Cucolo from New York Law School remarked on the tenuous intersection of dementia and legal proceedings, stating that the resolution regarding Jeffries' competency will hinge on evaluations from medical specialists. If deemed competent, the case will progress, but if not, prosecutors may have to drop the charges against Jeffries, leaving his co-defendants at risk of trial without his testimony.
With the public eye still on the high-profile case, further allegations are surfacing against Jeffries, indicating more men stepping forward with claims of exploitation at his hosted events. The case continues to unfold, echoing significant discussions surrounding mental health and accountability within the judicial arena.
