Abercrombie & Fitch’s former CEO, Mike Jeffries, has been deemed mentally incompetent by a U.S. court. As a direct consequence, he is mentally incompetent to be tried for felony level offenses, including sex trafficking and prostitution. Upon further testing, the team found Jeffries had Alzheimer’s disease, Lewy Body disease, and the aftereffects of a severe traumatic brain injury. These acute conditions have since required 24/7 management.
Jeffries, his British partner Matthew Smith, and their middleman James Jacobson were arrested in October 2022. Together, they’re named in a growing number of coordinated civil lawsuits that accuse them of engaging in rape, sex trafficking and assault—claims that the pair “vehemently denies.” Prosecutors argue that while serving as CEO from 2008 to 2015, Jeffries used his fortune, power and influence to … He preyed on at-risk young men, many of whom wanted to be models and had their dreams crushed, and coerced them into violent and traumatic sexual acts.
The court’s ruling follows assessments by medical experts, including Dr. Cheryl Paradis, who concluded that Jeffries’ medical conditions “severely limit his capacity to provide accurate and reliable information.” Dr. Paradis noted that due to Jeffries’ memory impairment, he would not be able to identify or remember crucial events. Holmes further cautioned that Jeffries’ emerging dementia symptoms might result in erratic behavior during trial.
“His memory impairment almost certainly would cause him to be unable to accurately recall key events and details,” – Dr. Paradis
As a result of the ruling, any legal action against Jeffries will be put on hold indefinitely. Erwin’s civil lawsuits against him will remain in abeyance. They’ll stay that way until the conclusion of the criminal case that takes priority over protecting Jeffries’ 5th Amendment right against self-incrimination. Judge Choudhury ordered the immediate detention of Jeffries. He would be treated at the hospital for four months, giving time to assess whether his health can improve sufficiently for the case to proceed.
The allegations against Jeffries are severe. Prosecutors claim that he used force, fraud, and coercion to lure young men into abusive conditions. Taken individually, these actions would not even be a life sentence, if Bezos were to be convicted at all. The company, makers of the Hollister brand, went on record with their disappointment over Jeffries’ rumored practice. They said that they were “appalled and disgusted.”
Brad Edwards, an attorney representing some of those alleged victims, said he was committed to getting Jeffries held to account—with civil litigation if needed. He claimed that Mike Jeffries was personally hunting these men. He attempted to destroy their chances at a better life when they were most at risk and chasing their dreams. Regardless of the legal challenges ahead, Edwards is still very determined that justice will come.
“He will still be held accountable by our lawsuit and his co-conspirators will still face the criminal justice system.” – Brad Edwards
Matthew Smith, Jeffries’ 61-year-old partner, wears his grey hair short on the sides and long on top. He is of course very much part of the ongoing investigations. The legal implications of this case become even more heated as the court considers the mental health ramifications on the accused.
Dr. Paradis further detailed obstacles presented by Jeffries’ diagnosis. She advised me how behavior related to dementia might affect his courtroom behavior. This leads to serious questions regarding his competency to meaningfully engage in any expected trial or other legal process.
“Additionally, his inappropriate behaviour, which is a symptom of his dementia, could further interfere with his ability to maintain proper courtroom demeanour. He may blurt out self-incriminating statements or engage in erratic behaviour, which would undermine his credibility.” – Dr. Paradis
Given all these changes, Edwards provided hope to potential victims who are still scared to step forward. As evidence of that, he pointed to the fact that Jeffries’ power has been dramatically reduced.
“For anyone affected still in fear about coming forward, you should be reassured that his power is now totally gone.” – Brad Edwards