In brief
In a 150‑page decision, a federal judge cleared former Abercrombie & Fitch chief Mike Jeffries of mental incompetence, citing ample evidence of his ability to understand court proceedings. The ruling overturns last year’s determination that the 81‑year‑old suffered dementia and late‑onset Alzheimer’s disease. Jeffries, along with partner Matthew Smith and alleged middleman James Jacobson, faces more than a dozen serious trafficking charges and a potential life sentence. The judge has granted accommodation measures—morning reviews of transcripts, scheduled breaks, and daily full transcripts—to support Jeffries’ cognitive needs, but confirms his continued competency for trial. Trial is slated to begin on 26 October.
Former Abercrombie & Fitch chief Mike Jeffries is now deemed competent to stand trial in the United States on a host of sex‑trafficking and prostitution charges. Judge Nusrat Choudhury reversed an earlier ruling that had found the 81‑year‑old mentally incompetent, citing extensive medical records and more than 21 hours of audio tape from 109 phone calls as proof that Jeffries can understand the legal process.
Jeffries faces more than a dozen indictments that could carry a maximum life sentence if convicted. The trial is scheduled to open on 26 October, and the judge will allow accommodations to the defendant’s age and cognitive status—morning time to review transcripts, multiple short breaks, and day‑by‑day transcripts for Jeffries’ review—while still affirming his full capacity to participate in the proceedings.
These charges stem from a 2023 BBC investigation, which uncovered a sophisticated international operation that scouted young men for prostitution while Jeffries was CEO. The case also involves partner Matthew Smith and alleged middleman James Jacobson, both of whom have pleaded not guilty.
Officials have indicated that a guilty verdict could result in a life sentence. More coverage on the investigation can be found at the BBC newsroom, at bbc.com.
