In brief
Jeffries, arrested for sex trafficking, is now undergoing a competency hearing to assess his mental fitness for trial due to diagnoses of dementia and Alzheimer's disease.
Former Abercrombie & Fitch (A&F) CEO Mike Jeffries is grappling with dementia and late-onset Alzheimer's, as revealed by his legal team in a New York court filing. At 80 years old, Jeffries is seeking a hearing to determine his mental state related to federal sex trafficking charges. He was arrested in October alongside his partner and a middleman accused of orchestrating an international sex trafficking operation between 2008 and 2015. U.S. prosecutors allege Jeffries exploited vulnerable aspiring models, using his power and influence for sexual gratification. The trio has denied the charges and secured release on bond. An FBI investigation ignited after a BBC report exposed the alleged misconduct. Jeffries' lawyer disclosed that a neuropsychologist diagnosed him with dementia during evaluations, raising doubts about his competency to defend himself. His legal team has called for a competency hearing, scheduled for June 2025. With Jeffries no longer involved in A&F's leadership, he is also fighting a civil lawsuit where the company is accused of facilitating a sex trafficking operation. While his legal struggles unfold, experts note that if he is deemed incompetent, the court may have to dismiss the charges unless his partners can be tried separately.
