Ex-Abercrombie CEO Michael Jeffries declared unfit for trial on sex trafficking charges

Michael Jeffries, the former CEO of Abercrombie & Fitch, has been declared mentally unfit to stand trial on sex trafficking charges, a federal judge ruled on May 2, 2025.

This decision comes after his defense team argued that Jeffries' mental health, including his diagnosis of dementia, rendered him unable to comprehend the charges or participate in his defense.

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The case against Michael Jeffries and his co-defendants

Jeffries had led Abercrombie & Finch from 1992 to 2014, along with Matthew Smith, 61, and James Jacobson, 71. All three men were arrested in October 2024 for serious charges such as operating an organized, interstate sex trafficking ring that allegedly involved trafficking young, aspiring male models.

According to the authorities, the 3 men exploited young and vulnerable individuals in the fashion industry at an international level, where they were coerced into sex under the guise of having the opportunity to participate in modeling events around the world.

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Defense claims: Jeffries' mental health issues

According to Jeffries lawyers, his Alzheimer’s and Lewy Body Dementia diagnosis has made it impossible for him to stand trial. Authorities such as forensic psychologists have confirmed that Jeffries memory loss make it impossible for him to fully comprehend why he would be there.

Judge Nusrat J. Choudhury has ruled that Jeffries is, indeed, unfit to face trial. However, he has to undergo treatment in a hospital as an order, and is to be reevaluated in 4 months for competency.