Michael Jeffries, former CEO of Abercrombie & Fitch, is facing a federal competency hearing in New York as prosecutors argue he is fit to stand trial for sex trafficking charges. Jeffries, 81, and his partner Matthew Smith are accused of luring and abusing aspiring male models at “sex events” in the Hamptons and Europe.
Ex-Abercrombie CEO Faces Competency Hearing
Defense lawyers claim Jeffries suffers from Alzheimer’s and Lewy body dementia, making him unable to understand the charges. Prosecutors countered with prison phone recordings where Jeffries discussed trial strategies, insisted incompetency was crucial to his defense, and lamented the loss of Abercrombie’s flagship store.
Psychiatrists testified that his comments reveal confusion, while prosecutors argued they show awareness. Jeffries, free on $10 million bail, faces a mandatory minimum of 15 years if convicted. Judge Nusrat Chowdhury has yet to rule on his competency, with trial scheduled for October.
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