Former Abercrombie CEO mentally fit for sex-trafficking trial, judge says

A federal judge has ruled that former Abercrombie & Fitch CEO Michael Jeffries is mentally competent to stand trial for sex-trafficking charges. Jeffries, 82, had been hospitalized for months due to dementia and Alzheimer's symptoms. US District Court Judge Nusrat Choudhury reviewed medical expert testimony and Jeffries' communications, concluding he has a rational understanding of the proceedings. Jeffries is scheduled to be tried in late October alongside co-defendants Matthew Smith and James Jacobson. Prosecutors allege the three used the promise of modeling jobs to lure men to drug-fueled sex parties. Jeffries and his co-defendants have pleaded not guilty to federal charges.

A federal judge has ruled that Michael Jeffries, former CEO of Abercrombie & Fitch, is mentally competent to stand trial for sex trafficking charges. Jeffries, 82, had been hospitalized for months due to symptoms of dementia and Alzheimer's, with his lawyers arguing he was unfit. U.S. District Court Judge Nusrat Choudhury reviewed medical expert testimony and Jeffries' communications, concluding he has a rational understanding of the proceedings. Jeffries is currently free on bond and scheduled to go to trial in late October with two co-defendants. Prosecutors allege the three used the promise of modeling jobs to lure men to sex parties.

A federal court has ruled that former Abercrombie & Fitch CEO Mike Jeffries is mentally competent to stand trial on sex trafficking and prostitution charges. This decision reverses a previous ruling that declared him mentally incompetent due to dementia and Alzheimer's disease. Judge Nusrat Choudhury cited extensive evidence, including over 21 hours of audio recordings from 109 phone calls, as demonstrating Jeffries' ability to understand the proceedings. The judge found that Jeffries is a fluent conversationalist capable of learning new information and possesses a rational understanding of the charges against him. Despite this ruling, accommodations will be made for Jeffries' age and cognitive impairments, including shortened court days. His trial is scheduled to begin on October 26th.