Michael Jeffries, the former CEO of fashion giant Abercrombie & Fitch, has been declared mentally unfit to stand trial on serious sex trafficking charges, according to federal prosecutors and his defense team. The 80-year-old executive is reportedly battling multiple degenerative brain conditions that have severely impacted his ability to participate in court proceedings.
Jeffries, who led Abercrombie & Fitch for over two decades and was once one of the most powerful figures in the retail fashion world, is now at the center of a disturbing legal case. He was accused in 2023 of coordinating and funding drug-fueled sex parties, allegedly luring young men with promises of modeling opportunities for the brand’s campaigns. Prosecutors claim these events occurred across various upscale locations including New York City and the Hamptons.
Despite pleading not guilty and being released on a $10 million bond, Jeffries’ future in the courtroom has taken a significant turn. Both the prosecution and defense have now agreed that he is currently unfit to stand trial due to advanced dementia. His lawyers disclosed that Jeffries suffers from Alzheimer’s disease, Lewy body dementia, and lingering effects from a previous traumatic brain injury.
In a joint letter to the court, lawyers from both sides requested that Jeffries be transferred to the custody of the Bureau of Prisons. There, they hope he can be hospitalized for up to four months to determine if any treatment might help restore his competency. However, medical evaluations submitted by the defense paint a grim picture. At least four specialists concluded that Jeffries’ cognitive decline is not only severe but also permanent and progressive.
“Forensic experts have clearly stated that Mr. Jeffries is unable to comprehend the nature of the legal proceedings or effectively work with his counsel,” the letter states. “His condition is irreversible, and his ability to regain competency is highly unlikely.”
Dr. Alexander Bardey and Dr. Cheryl Paradis, two of the medical professionals who evaluated Jeffries, emphasized that his mental state will continue to deteriorate over time. “There is no foreseeable restoration of his cognitive functions,” they wrote in their December assessment.
Jeffries left Abercrombie & Fitch in 2014 amid declining sales and mounting criticism over the company’s image. During his tenure, the brand became synonymous with youth culture and provocative marketing but also faced backlash for exclusionary branding.
Jeffries’ long-time partner, Matthew Smith, and a third co-defendant, James Jacobson, are also facing charges in the same case. Both have pleaded not guilty and remain free on bond as the legal process unfolds.
The case has sparked renewed debate about corporate power, accountability, and the responsibility of former executives—even in their later years. Whether Jeffries will ever face a trial remains uncertain, but the serious nature of the charges continues to capture public attention.
