Former Abercrombie & Fitch CEO Declared Mentally Unfit Amid Serious Legal Charges

Mike Jeffries, the former CEO of Abercrombie & Fitch, is facing federal sex trafficking charges. His legal team reports he has dementia and late-onset Alzheimer's, arguing this impacts his ability to stand trial. A competency hearing is scheduled, with broader implications for ongoing civil lawsuits related to the case.

Mike Jeffries, the former chief executive of Abercrombie & Fitch (A&F), has been reported to have dementia and late-onset Alzheimer's disease, according to a legal document submitted by his attorneys in New York. This alarming health revelation comes as Jeffries faces serious federal sex trafficking charges, alongside his partner and a middleman. His legal representatives have requested a competency hearing to assess whether he is mentally capable of standing trial.

The 80-year-old Jeffries was arrested in October alongside Matthew Smith, aged 61, amid allegations of managing an international sex trafficking and prostitution operation. Both men have opted to plead not guilty to the charges, which stem from claims that they exploited vulnerable aspiring models between 2008 and 2015. Prosecutors allege that Jeffries used his influence and wealth to manipulate men for sexual purposes.

In conjunction with these charges, the FBI launched an investigation following a BBC report detailing alleged sexual exploitation of men at various global events hosted by Jeffries and Smith. The inquiry revealed a sophisticated scheme where a middleman, James Jacobson, aged 71, scouted young men for sex. All three involved have been released on bond while maintaining their innocence.

Legal counsel for Jeffries, Brian Bieber, pointed out that examinations by a neuropsychologist indicated that former CEO was demonstrating significant cognitive decline. In a recent court filing, Bieber remarked that Jeffries seemed far removed from the competent businessman he was just nine years ago. Given these insights, his legal team has raised concerns about Jeffries' ability to effectively assist in preparing legal defenses for the serious allegations he faces.

The competency hearing is now set to occur over two days in mid-June 2025. Meanwhile, federal prosecutors have refrained from commenting on the case.

Jeffries, who stepped down from his role as CEO and chairman of A&F in 2014, left the company with a sizable retirement package of $25 million. In addition to the criminal charges, he, his partner, and A&F are currently embroiled in a civil lawsuit that alleges the fashion retailer financed a sex trafficking operation. Recently, Jeffries initiated a lawsuit against A&F for not covering his criminal defense expenses, claiming they had committed to indemnifying him against issues arising from his corporate role.

For more information, allegations about sexual misconduct against Jeffries continue to surface, raising even further scrutiny over his tenure and personal conduct.