Legal Challenges Intensify for Ex-Abercrombie & Fitch CEO Amid Dementia Claims

Mike Jeffries, the former CEO of Abercrombie & Fitch, is facing a competency hearing amid allegations of sex trafficking and claims of dementia. Arrested in October alongside his partner, Jeffries' legal team argues that his cognitive impairments hinder his ability to assist in his defense.

The legal troubles for Mike Jeffries, the former CEO of Abercrombie & Fitch, are mounting as his legal representatives assert that he suffers from dementia and probable late onset Alzheimer's disease. This revelation comes in a court filing in New York, where lawyers are seeking a hearing to evaluate Jeffries' mental competency to stand trial on serious federal sex trafficking charges.

At 80 years old, Jeffries, along with his partner Matthew Smith, 61, and their intermediary James Jacobson, 71, was arrested in October on allegations of running an international sex trafficking and prostitution operation. The trio has entered not guilty pleas. A critical competency hearing is slated for June next year to assess Jeffries' ability to comprehend and engage in his defense.

US prosecutors accuse Jeffries of using his substantial influence and wealth to exploit aspiring male models for sexual activities over a seven-year period, from 2008 to 2015. Investigative reports revealed that the FBI began their inquiries following a BBC expose that outlined how the accused allegedly groomed victims at lavish events globally.

Jeffries' attorney, Brian Bieber, revealed that a neuropsychologist diagnosed Jeffries with dementia after a series of assessments. Bieber noted that during one meeting, Jeffries displayed symptoms inconsistent with the high-functioning executive he once was, raising concerns about his ability to grasp the legal complexities of the case against him.

Consequentially, Jeffries’ team is pushing for a comprehensive competency evaluation, taking place over two days in June 2025. If found competent, the trial will proceed; if deemed incompetent—with no reasonable hope of recovery—the charges may be dismissed, though Smith and Jacobson could still face prosecution.

Compounding Jeffries' legal woes is a civil lawsuit alleging A&F's involvement in a sex trafficking scheme linked to their former CEO. In an attempt to secure financial backing for his defense, Jeffries has launched a lawsuit against A&F, contending the company should indemnify him as previously agreed.

Legal experts emphasize that the outcome of the competency hearing will be pivotal, as it will dictate the future of the case. If Jeffries cannot testify due to incompetency, it would significantly impact prosecutorial efforts against the remaining defendants in this controversial legal battle.