Former Abercrombie & Fitch CEO Michael Jeffries, 81, pressed prison doctors to declare him incompetent for trial during a federal competency hearing. He faces one count of sex trafficking and 15 counts of interstate prostitution for allegedly abusing more than a dozen young male models from 2008 to 2015.
Competency Hearing Testimony
Prosecutors allege Jeffries, his partner Matthew Smith, and associate James Jacobson enticed men to drug-fueled sex parties in the Hamptons with promises of modeling jobs for the retailer. Defense attorneys claim Jeffries cannot stand trial due to diagnoses of Alzheimer's disease and Lewy body dementia.
During the hearing, defense lawyer Brian H. Bieber questioned clinical neuropsychologist Dr. Jacqueline C. Valdes about a recorded phone call. In it, Jeffries stated that doctors "better find me incompetent." Valdes described the remark as "things without a filter," citing it as evidence of disinhibited behavior.
She noted other instances, such as Jeffries using profanity like "b***h" with mental health staff at a North Carolina prison and being overly personal in interactions, including with her.
Health Assessment Details
Valdes has evaluated Jeffries since October 2023, observing confusion, a shuffling gait, and tremors. Smith reported finding Jeffries in a neighbor's yard, seated in underwear and unable to move.
Mental decline traces back to 2013, with an MRI showing mild brain atrophy that worsened after a 2018 fall in South Africa. Symptoms included hallucinations, wandering, delusions, and acting out dreams, predating his October 2024 indictment.
Prosecutor Adam Toporovsky highlighted improved cognitive test scores this year compared to 2023. Valdes attributed gains to medication adjustments.
Courtroom Behavior
Jeffries arrived in a slim-fit dark suit, hair styled, with an ankle monitor visible. He appeared alert, shaking hands, chatting with defense team members about their commute, and greeting a reporter. However, he also showed impatience, irritability, and frustration at times.
Seated beside son Andrew, he clasped hands and looked bored during proceedings. During a break, he walked steadily to the restroom with his son, hand in pocket, responding "Fine" to questions about his feet and head. No mobility aids were present, and his wife did not attend.
Prosecution's Position and Allegations
Prosecutors assert Jeffries is fit to stand trial, backed by their experts and over 100 recorded calls with Smith from his prison stay. The indictment details Jacobson recruiting models domestically and abroad, conducting paid "tryouts" involving sex, and compensating referrers at Smith's direction.
Victims, some as young as 19 and financially vulnerable, believed participation offered Abercrombie modeling opportunities and feared career harm if refusing. Itineraries mimicked photo shoots, incorporating brand products, but omitted explicit sexual demands like anal intercourse, large toys, and enemas.
Staff supplied poppers, lubricants, Viagra, condoms, and penile injections causing prolonged, painful erections. Men traveled to locations including New York, England, France, Italy, Morocco, and Saint Barthelemy for encounters. Jeffries and Smith allegedly used a security firm to monitor and silence potential whistleblowers via intimidation.
Party access was controlled; attendees surrendered phones, wallets, and signed NDAs.
Next Steps
Jury selection begins October 26 if Judge Nusrat Choudhury rules Jeffries competent. The hearing continues Wednesday with defense witnesses and prosecution audio recordings.
