A Hearing Looms for Ex-Abercrombie CEO Over Sex Trafficking Allegations
The trial of Michael Jeffries, former CEO of Abercrombie & Fitch, is set to take place in late October after a court hearing next March. If deemed mentally fit, the 81-year-old could potentially plead his case before the judge then. The prospect comes on the heels of Jeffries' hospitalization in recent months for dementia and Alzheimer's symptoms, which sparked concerns over his competency.
Prosecutors argue that Jeffries, along with his romantic partner Matthew Smith and a third individual, lured men to drug-fueled sex parties under the guise of modeling jobs. These allegations echo previous civil cases and media reports detailing sexual misconduct.
Federal prison officials now assert that Jeffries has regained his mental faculties after spending four months at the Federal Medical Center in North Carolina. The acting warden claimed that Jeffries is capable of understanding the proceedings against him, as well as assisting in his own defense.
However, Jeffries' lawyers dispute this assessment and are calling for a hearing to present alternative medical experts. They expect to call three experts to testify on their client's mental condition, while prosecutors plan to present two of their own.
Defense attorneys have long maintained that Jeffries requires 24/7 care due to his struggles with Alzheimer's disease, Lewy body dementia, and traumatic brain injury. At least four medical professionals have concluded that these conditions are irreversible and that Jeffries will not regain competency.
Jeffries stepped down as Abercrombie CEO in 2014 after more than two decades at the helm. Both Smith and James Jacobson, co-defendants in this case, also face charges, with both pleading not guilty.
The trial of Michael Jeffries, former CEO of Abercrombie & Fitch, is set to take place in late October after a court hearing next March. If deemed mentally fit, the 81-year-old could potentially plead his case before the judge then. The prospect comes on the heels of Jeffries' hospitalization in recent months for dementia and Alzheimer's symptoms, which sparked concerns over his competency.
Prosecutors argue that Jeffries, along with his romantic partner Matthew Smith and a third individual, lured men to drug-fueled sex parties under the guise of modeling jobs. These allegations echo previous civil cases and media reports detailing sexual misconduct.
Federal prison officials now assert that Jeffries has regained his mental faculties after spending four months at the Federal Medical Center in North Carolina. The acting warden claimed that Jeffries is capable of understanding the proceedings against him, as well as assisting in his own defense.
However, Jeffries' lawyers dispute this assessment and are calling for a hearing to present alternative medical experts. They expect to call three experts to testify on their client's mental condition, while prosecutors plan to present two of their own.
Defense attorneys have long maintained that Jeffries requires 24/7 care due to his struggles with Alzheimer's disease, Lewy body dementia, and traumatic brain injury. At least four medical professionals have concluded that these conditions are irreversible and that Jeffries will not regain competency.
Jeffries stepped down as Abercrombie CEO in 2014 after more than two decades at the helm. Both Smith and James Jacobson, co-defendants in this case, also face charges, with both pleading not guilty.
. I mean, if Jeffries can't even take care of himself due to Alzheimer's and dementia, how on earth does he think he can defend himself against these allegations? It's like they're trying to put the cart before the horse here. His lawyers are right to call for a hearing - we need to know what's really going on with Jeffries' mental state. And let's be real, four months in federal prison doesn't exactly scream "recovery". Has he even shown any signs of improvement? I don't think so 
. This whole thing needs to be taken seriously and not just swept under the rug because it involves a high-profile CEO. The law is clear - if you can't understand what's happening, you shouldn't be allowed to plead your case. Period 
He was leading a life of luxury as CEO of Abercrombie & Fitch, but it turns out he's been involved in some super dark stuff 
. I'm talking sex trafficking and exploiting men for his own twisted desires 
. And to make matters worse, he's got dementia and Alzheimer's symptoms that are getting worse by the day 
. Four months in the hospital doesn't necessarily mean someone is fully recovered 
. I hope those alternative medical experts can give us some real insight into his mental state 
. How could someone be so reckless and hurtful to others? And what's even more appalling is that he was a powerful CEO, able to get away with this stuff for years 
. It's heartbreaking that the victims may never get justice 
He's 81 but prosecutors think he's good to go mentally? I don't get it... his lawyers are all like 'no way, our dude needs 24/7 care' 
. The fact that there were allegedly drug-fueled sex parties and modeling jobs was a major red flag anyway 
. Let's keep an eye on this case, it could get juicy 
.
. I'm genuinely worried about his mental health - Alzheimer's and Lewy body dementia are no joke, and for him to be back on his feet after just four months is concerning 
. This whole case just feels like such a sad reminder of how some people can get away with horrific behavior for far too long 
.
seems fishy that his lawyers are pushing for experts to testify on his condition... what's their angle here? 
I highly doubt it. And those experts saying he needs 24/7 care? I'm with them 
. This whole thing is super concerning, especially since they're trying to cut him loose after such serious allegations...
. It's about time we start holding the powerful accountable for their actions! 
Maybe it's time to have a calm and respectful conversation about what's best for Jeffries and his situation... rather than just trying to pin him down one way or another. 
The fact that he's been deemed mentally fit by federal prison officials and is now trying to dispute it just raises more questions about his mental state... or lack thereof 
️. I'm genuinely concerned about Michael Jeffries' mental state, though - dementia and Alzheimer's are no joke 
.
. Either way, this case is going to be a wild ride 
. Can't wait for the trial to begin and find out what really went down! 
Give me a break! I hope those expert witnesses who think he's still got it all together are gonna bring some fireworks. Meanwhile, I'm low-key hoping Jeffries gets a reality check and maybe even does some actual time for his crimes 
. What's next? Is he gonna try to spin this as "modeling gone wrong" or something? 
. Either way, hope the court gets a clear picture of what's going on in his head. We'll see how this all plays out... 