Legal representatives for ex-Abercrombie & Fitch CEO Mike Jeffries have disclosed his struggles with dementia and late-onset Alzheimer's disease, raising concerns about his competency to face serious sex trafficking charges in court.
Former Abercrombie & Fitch CEO Faces Legal Battle Amid Dementia Diagnosis
Former Abercrombie & Fitch CEO Faces Legal Battle Amid Dementia Diagnosis
Mike Jeffries, once at the helm of A&F, is navigating serious legal turmoil as his mental health is called into question in federal trafficking charges.
Former Abercrombie & Fitch CEO Mike Jeffries is confronting significant legal issues as his health deteriorates. In a recent court document filed in New York, his legal team disclosed that Jeffries, 80, has been diagnosed with dementia and probable late-onset Alzheimer's disease. His lawyers are seeking a hearing to evaluate his mental fitness to stand trial on federal felony sex trafficking charges.
Jeffries was arrested in October alongside his partner, Matthew Smith, and their intermediary, James Jacobson. The trio faces allegations of running a sex trafficking and prostitution enterprise operating from 2008 to 2015. Prosecutors claim that Jeffries abused his wealth and influence to exploit vulnerable young men, with accusations of coercion and abusive acts surfacing against the defendants.
The investigation, initiated by the FBI after revelations from BBC reports, suggested that the accused utilized events to recruit and exploit aspiring models. The claims included shocking testimonies of abuse and exploitation, leading to scrutiny over the practices surrounding their social gatherings.
As the case progresses, Jeffries' attorney Brian Bieber asserted that several neuropsychological evaluations indicate a severe decline in Jeffries' cognitive abilities. He pointed out that during their last meeting, Jeffries failed to demonstrate the sharpness expected from a former executive who managed a publicly traded company with a master's degree.
A competency hearing will take place in June 2025 to assess whether Jeffries can adequately participate in his defense against the allegations. The legal team’s filing has raised questions about the extent of his understanding of the charges and potential defenses.
While the legal drama unfolds, Abercrombie & Fitch and its founder have been embroiled in civil suits related to the allegations, with claims that the retailer supported Jeffries’ illicit activities. Amidst this turmoil, Jeffries is also pursuing legal action against A&F for refusing to cover his criminal defense expenses, claiming they had committed to indemnify him for such costs arising from his tenure as CEO.
