Former Abercrombie & Fitch CEO Pressured Doctors for Incompetency Ruling in Sex Trafficking Case
Disgraced former Abercrombie & Fitch CEO Michael Jeffries, aged 81, once urged prison medical staff to find him incompetent to stand trial, a federal judge heard during a competency hearing on Tuesday. Jeffries faces one count of sex trafficking and 15 counts of interstate prostitution, with prosecutors alleging he sexually abused over a dozen young male models between 2008 and 2015.
Defense Claims Cognitive Impairment Amidst Recorded Conversations
Defense attorneys have argued that Jeffries is incompetent due to diagnoses of Alzheimer's disease and Lewy body dementia. However, the hearing took a dramatic turn when defense lawyer Brian H Bieber questioned clinical neuro-psychologist Dr. Jacqueline C. Valdes about a recorded phone conversation. Dr. Valdes acknowledged that Jeffries stated doctors 'better find me incompetent' in hopes of a favorable outcome.
'He was just saying things without a filter,' Dr. Valdes insisted to US District Court Judge Nusrat Choudhury, describing this as an example of disinhibited behavior. She cited other instances, including Jeffries using offensive language like 'b***h' when speaking with mental health workers at a North Carolina prison and being overly personal in interactions.
Prosecutors Detail Allegations of Exploitation and Abuse
Prosecutors allege that Jeffries, his partner Matthew Smith, and alleged fixer James Jacobson lured men to drug-fueled sex parties in the Hamptons by promising modeling opportunities with Abercrombie & Fitch. According to the federal indictment, Jacobson recruited prospective male models across the US and abroad, conducting 'tryouts' by paying them for sex and referring them to parties.
The victims, described as financially vulnerable with the youngest aged 19, believed their careers depended on compliance. Parties incorporated Abercrombie products, with itineraries resembling model photo shoots, and required victims to surrender wallets, cellphones, and sign non-disclosure agreements. Prosecutors claim victims were not fully informed of sexual activities, which included anal intercourse, large sex toys, and high-pressured enemas, with staff providing drugs like 'poppers,' lubricant, Viagra, and condoms.
Evidence of Mental Decline and Contradictory Behavior in Court
Dr. Valdes testified that Jeffries' cognitive impairment assessment began in October 2023, when he appeared confused with a shuffling gait and tremors. Smith reported finding Jeffries in a neighbor's yard, sitting in his underwear and unable to move. Evidence suggests mental decline started in 2013, with an MRI showing mild brain atrophy that worsened after a fall in South Africa in 2018, leading to hallucinations, wandering, and delusional thinking.
During the hearing, Jeffries appeared alert and chatty at times, shaking hands and engaging in conversation, but also showed impatience and irritability. He walked without assistance, even with his hand in his pocket, contrasting with defense claims of severe impairment. Prosecutor Adam Toporovsky noted improvements in cognitive test results this year, though Dr. Valdes attributed these to medication.
Prosecution Arguments and Upcoming Proceedings
Prosecutors argue Jeffries is competent, supported by their own doctors and over 100 recorded phone calls with co-defendant Smith from his four-month stay in a federal prison mental health unit. They allege Jeffries and Smith used a security company to surveil and intimidate witnesses threatening to expose the activities.
If Judge Choudhury finds Jeffries competent, jury selection is slated to begin on October 26. The hearing continues on Wednesday, with the defense presenting three witnesses and the prosecution expected to play audio recordings, as the court weighs Jeffries' fitness for trial amidst serious criminal allegations.
