Michael Jeffries, the former chief executive of Abercrombie & Fitch, has been declared mentally unfit to face trial on serious sex trafficking charges.
The 80-year-old is suffering from Alzheimer’s disease, Lewy body dementia, and lingering effects of a past brain injury, according to medical assessments submitted by his legal team.
Lawyers representing both sides of the case—defense and prosecution—told a federal court in New York that Jeffries’ condition makes him unable to understand the charges or work with his attorneys. As a result, they are asking the judge to order a temporary stay of proceedings and allow Jeffries to be placed under federal medical supervision for up to four months in hopes of stabilizing his health.
Jeffries, who ran Abercrombie & Fitch for over two decades before stepping down in 2014, has been free on a $10 million bond since he was charged last year. He has pleaded not guilty to accusations of trafficking and interstate prostitution, which prosecutors say involved luring young men with promises of modeling jobs. According to the charges, Jeffries and two others organized drug-fueled sex parties in various upscale locations, including New York City and the Hamptons.
Court documents submitted this week include evaluations from several doctors who concluded that Jeffries’ condition is advanced and cannot be reversed. They also stated that his mental abilities will continue to decline over time, making it unlikely that he will ever be able to stand trial.
In their report, a forensic psychiatrist and psychologist jointly concluded that Jeffries’ cognitive issues are too severe for him to take part in any legal proceedings now or in the future. They noted his inability to process the situation he is in or communicate clearly enough to support a defense.
Jeffries’ co-defendants, Matthew Smith—his longtime romantic partner—and James Jacobson, have also pleaded not guilty. Both remain out on bond while the case moves forward without Jeffries, at least for now.
The court will decide on the request for Jeffries’ medical placement in the coming weeks, leaving the future of the high-profile trial uncertain.