Former Abercrombie & Fitch CEO Michael Jeffries Found Competent to Stand Trial on Sex Trafficking Charges

Former Abercrombie & Fitch CEO Michael Jeffries has been found competent to stand trial on federal sex trafficking and prostitution charges, clearing the way for his criminal trial to begin Oct. 26 after he was previously ruled unable to proceed.

U.S. District Judge Nusrat Choudhury ruled Thursday that Jeffries, 82, has a rational and factual understanding of the proceedings and is sufficiently able to communicate with his lawyers. In reaching that conclusion, the judge considered expert testimony, medical evaluations and recorded telephone calls Jeffries made while in federal custody.

Choudhury said the calls showed Jeffries following discussions about his case, retaining information and demonstrating an understanding of courtroom procedures and the roles of people involved in the prosecution.

The ruling follows a different assessment of Jeffries last year. In May 2025, medical experts for both the defense and the government concluded that he was unable to adequately understand the proceedings or assist in preparing his defense. His lawyers have said he suffers from Alzheimer’s disease, Lewy body dementia and the effects of a traumatic brain injury, which they argue have caused significant cognitive decline.

After finding Jeffries incompetent, Choudhury ordered him hospitalized at the Federal Medical Center in Butner, North Carolina, so doctors could determine whether his ability to stand trial could be restored. Federal officials later concluded that he had improved enough to proceed, a finding his attorneys challenged.

Federal law requires someone facing criminal charges to be able to understand what is happening in the case and communicate meaningfully with their lawyers. A serious medical diagnosis does not automatically make someone unable to stand trial. Judges focus on whether the person can understand the proceedings and help prepare a defense.

Competency can also change during a criminal case. Someone who is initially found unable to stand trial may receive treatment or other care and later be evaluated again. A judge must then decide whether the person has regained enough ability to understand the case and work with counsel before the prosecution can continue.

Jeffries will still receive accommodations during the trial because of his cognitive condition. Choudhury plans shorter court days, regular breaks, and additional time for him to review transcripts and meet with his lawyers.

Competency is separate from guilt. The ruling addresses whether Jeffries can understand and participate in the case now. Prosecutors must still prove the criminal charges beyond a reasonable doubt at trial.

Jeffries, who led Abercrombie & Fitch from 1992 until 2014, was indicted in 2024 alongside his partner, Matthew Smith, and James Jacobson. Federal prosecutors accuse the three men of operating an international sex trafficking and prostitution enterprise between about 2008 and 2015.

The 16-count indictment includes one sex trafficking charge and 15 counts involving interstate prostitution. Prosecutors allege that men were recruited for paid sexual encounters and were led to believe that participating could result in modeling opportunities or help their careers. The government claims force, fraud, or coercion was used as part of the alleged operation.

Jeffries, Smith and Jacobson have pleaded not guilty, and the allegations remain unproven.

Jeffries remains free on bond. His trial is scheduled to begin Oct. 26 in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York. The federal criminal case remains pending.