Former Abercrombie & Fitch CEO May Have Dementia, Lawyers Claim
Defense Lawyers Request Competency Hearing to Determine Jeffries’ Ability to Face Sex Charges
Defense lawyers for Michael Jeffries, the former longtime CEO of Abercrombie & Fitch, have filed court papers claiming that their client may have dementia and that a competency hearing is necessary to determine his ability to face sex charges.
Court Documents Reveal Neuropsychologist’s Diagnosis
According to court documents, a neuropsychologist who examined Jeffries in October concluded that he likely has dementia with behavioral disturbance, Alzheimer’s disease, and Lewy body dementia. The neuropsychologist also found that Jeffries’ cognitive impairments, including impaired memory, diminished attention, processing speed slowness, and ease of confusion, mean that he would not be capable of assisting his attorneys.
Joint Letter to the Judge
In a joint letter to the judge, defense lawyers and prosecutors suggested that experts who have evaluated Jeffries testify at a two-day competency hearing in June, so that a ruling on competency can follow. A spokesperson for prosecutors said that the office would have no further comment.
Background on the Case
Jeffries, 80, is free on $10 million bond after pleading not guilty in October to federal sex trafficking and interstate prostitution charges. Prosecutors allege that Jeffries, his romantic partner, and a third man lured men into drug-fueled sex parties in the Hamptons, on Long Island, by dangling the promise of modeling for the retailer’s ads.
Indictment Details
The indictment, unveiled in October, alleges that 15 accusers were induced by “force, fraud, and coercion” to engage in sex parties from 2008 to 2015 in New York City and the Hamptons, as well as at hotels in England, France, Italy, Morocco, and St. Barts. Prosecutors claim that the men were sometimes directed to wear costumes, use sex toys, and endure painful erection-inducing penile injections.
Conclusion
The competency hearing is a crucial step in determining Jeffries’ ability to face the sex charges against him. The defense’s claims of dementia and cognitive impairments raise questions about Jeffries’ capacity to understand the proceedings and assist his lawyers.
FAQs
Q: What are the charges against Michael Jeffries?
A: Jeffries is charged with federal sex trafficking and interstate prostitution charges.
Q: What is the defense’s claim about Jeffries’ mental health?
A: The defense claims that Jeffries has dementia with behavioral disturbance, Alzheimer’s disease, and Lewy body dementia, and that his cognitive impairments make him incapable of assisting his attorneys.
Q: What is the purpose of the competency hearing?
A: The competency hearing is to determine Jeffries’ ability to understand the proceedings and assist his lawyers.
Q: What is the next step in the case?
A: The competency hearing is scheduled for June, and a ruling on Jeffries’ competency will follow.
