According to both prosecutors and defense attorneys, the former CEO of Abercrombie & Fitch is not mentally competent to undergo trial for sex trafficking charges due to dementia.
Michael Jeffries, aged 80, is reported to have Alzheimer’s disease, Lewy body dementia, and “residual effects of a traumatic brain injury,” necessitating constant care. This information was provided by his defense attorneys in a letter submitted to a federal court in New York, based on evaluations by medical experts.
Both the prosecution and defense are requesting that a federal judge in Central Islip transfer Jeffries to the custody of the federal Bureau of Prisons for a period of up to four months. This would enable him to receive hospitalization and treatment potentially allowing the case to advance.
Jeffries has been out on a $10 million bond since his plea of not guilty in October to charges of federal sex trafficking and interstate prostitution.
Prosecutors allege that Jeffries, along with his romantic partner and another individual, enticed men to participate in drug-filled sexual gatherings in locations such as New York City and the Hamptons, by offering the prospect of modeling roles for the retailer.
As of the publication of the information, Jeffries’ lawyers had not responded to requests for comment, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York also chose not to comment.
The letter from Jeffries’ attorneys indicates that four medical professionals have determined that his cognitive impairments are “progressive and incurable,” rendering him unable to “regain his competency” and that he cannot be restored to competency in the future.
Medical experts have concluded that these cognitive impairments severely limit his capacity to comprehend the charges against him and his ability to engage with his legal team in his defense.
Dr. Alexander Bardey, a forensic psychiatrist, and Dr. Cheryl Paradis, a forensic psychologist, expressed in their evaluations that Mr. Jeffries is not competent to proceed with the case and cannot be restored to competency in the future. They emphasized the progressive nature of his neurocognitive disorder, which continues to diminish his already limited capacity.
Jeffries ended his tenure with Abercrombie & Fitch in 2014 after more than two decades, having transformed the company from a traditional outdoor goods store to a significant presence in teen fashion and mall culture during the early 2000s.
Matthew Smith, Jeffries’ partner, as well as their co-defendant, James Jacobson, have both pleaded not guilty and remain free on bond.
