In a decision issued Thursday, U.S. District Court Judge Nusrat Choudhury concluded that former Abercrombie & Fitch chief executive Michael Jeffries possesses the mental capacity required to face a federal sex‑trafficking trial. The ruling follows a four‑month confinement at the federal prison hospital in Butner, North Carolina, where Jeffries was evaluated for dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, Lewy body dementia, and a prior traumatic brain injury.
Judge’s Findings
Judge Choudhury reviewed extensive testimony from medical experts, written reports, and hours of recorded phone calls Jeffries made while in custody. She wrote that Jeffries “clearly possesses a rational and factual understanding of the proceedings” and is “a reasonably intelligent person and skilled communicator.” The judge noted that his responses during evaluations demonstrated an understanding of courtroom procedures, the roles of participants, and the core legal concepts at issue.
Legal Background
Jeffries, now 82, was released on bond after the hospital assessment and is scheduled to go to trial in late October. He faces federal charges of sex trafficking and interstate prostitution alongside two co‑defendants, his partner Matthew Smith and staffer James Jacobson. Prosecutors allege the trio used promises of modeling work to lure men to drug‑filled sex parties in New York City, the Hamptons, and other locations.
The charges echo earlier civil lawsuits and media reports that accused Jeffries of sexual misconduct during his tenure at the retailer. Jeffries left Abercrombie & Fitch in 2014 after more than two decades, during which he transformed the brand from a wilderness‑gear outlet into a dominant teen‑fashion chain.
Defense Arguments
Jeffries’ legal team argued that his cognitive impairments required round‑the‑clock care and that his condition was “progressive and incurable,” suggesting he would never regain competency. Medical experts testified that his Alzheimer’s disease, Lewy body dementia, and brain injury made it unlikely he could understand the legal process.
In response, Judge Choudhury ordered the hospitalization to determine whether his mental state could improve. After the four‑month period, federal prison officials in December deemed him fit to stand trial, prompting the current ruling.
Next Steps
Jeffries’ attorney, Brian Bieber, declined to comment on the ruling, stating the case will be tried in court, not in the media. A pre‑trial hearing is scheduled for next Thursday, and the trial is expected to begin in late October.
The case underscores the federal judiciary’s responsibility to assess competency in high‑profile criminal matters, balancing medical evidence with the rights of the accused and the interests of justice.
Original reporting: Texarkana Gazette — read the source article.
