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The lawyer for the former Abercrombie & Fitch CEO, who is facing sex trafficking and prostitution charges, has informed the court that his client has dementia and Alzheimer’s.
Some shit you should know before you read: Earlier this year, prosecutors in New York unveiled charges against former Abercrombie & Fitch CEO Mike Jeffries, his partner Matthew Smith, and their associate James Jacobson, accusing them of operating an international sex trafficking and prostitution ring between 2008 and 2015. The allegations outline a scheme in which the trio recruited young men, often under the pretense of offering modeling opportunities, and coerced them into attending sex events in New York, Europe, and the Caribbean. Prosecutors claim the men were lured with promises of career advancement, forced to surrender their phones and wallets, and compelled to sign nondisclosure agreements. During these events, some were administered drugs, including erection-inducing substances, and subjected to forced sexual acts. Staff allegedly facilitated these events by providing alcohol, drugs, and other materials, while Jacobson reportedly conducted “tryouts” where he engaged in sex acts with potential recruits. Some victims, described as financially vulnerable, were paid substantial sums in cash, and a security team was employed to intimidate those who considered speaking out.
What’s going on now: In court filings, Brian Bieber, the lawyer representing Jeffries, disclosed that his client had been diagnosed with dementia, late-onset Alzheimer’s disease, and Lewy body dementia, leading to him raising concerns about his competency to stand trial. Bieber stated that he had observed a decline in Jeffries’ attentiveness, focus, and ability to assist in his defense, prompting a neuropsychological evaluation. The evaluation confirmed Jeffries’ cognitive impairments, which the lawyer argues make it difficult for him to sustain and comprehend the legal proceedings or collaborate with his defense team effectively.
Due to this, A competency hearing is scheduled for June to assess whether Jeffries is fit to stand trial. However, prosecutors and victim advocates have questioned the timing of the diagnosis, noting that Jeffries sought medical evaluation only after being advised by his lawyer in connection with the charges.
Critics, including attorneys representing the victims, suggest that the claims of cognitive decline may be an attempt to delay or avoid accountability for the serious allegations against him. Brad Edwards, a lawyer representing some of the alleged victims, said, “The timing of Mike Jeffries’s purported health issues is suspicious, to say the least. My clients are following this closely, and we intend to provide information to law enforcement pertinent to this competency issue. We will hold eve yone accountable for the heinous crimes committed against these many young men.”
