Judge Deems Abercrombie & Fitch Ex-CEO Fit for Sex Trafficking Trial

Federal prosecutors called a forensic neuropsychologist to testify that Michael Jeffries is mentally fit to stand trial. Jeffries is the 81-year-old former Abercrombie & Fitch chief executive.

Competency hearing in New York

The hearing is before U.S. District Judge Nusrat Chowdhury in Central Islip, New York. The court must decide if Jeffries understands the charges and can aid his defense.

The sex trafficking trial is scheduled to begin October 26. The weeklong competency hearing has been extended past its original three days.

Prosecution evaluation

Tracy O’Connor Pennuto, the federal system’s only forensic neuropsychologist, evaluated Jeffries over two days. She testified about testing last year and about his four-month stay in a North Carolina prison mental health unit.

Pennuto described Jeffries as coherent, often humorous, and able to manage commissary funds and phone access. She said his performance exceeded that of most competency evaluations.

Defense medical claims

Defense experts argue Jeffries has major cognitive decline from Alzheimer’s and Lewy body dementia. They presented scans and verbal assessments showing brain atrophy.

Witnesses said Jeffries gave identical answers about graduation dates and struggled to identify or explain the charges. They also described frequent profanity and volatile outbursts.

Behavior during testing

Pennuto said Jeffries used insulting language during interviews and cursed when frustrated. She also testified he seemed to test boundaries but could restrain those behaviors on request.

Allegations and co-defendants

Jeffries led Abercrombie & Fitch from 1992 until his 2014 retirement. Prosecutors allege he used his position to exploit dozens of aspiring A&F models during his final eight years at the company.

Accusers say the conduct occurred at a Hamptons estate and at luxury hotels in Manhattan, Europe, Morocco, and Saint Barthélemy. Authorities arrested Jeffries, his longtime partner Matthew Smith, and former employee James Jacobson in October 2024.

The trio faces sex trafficking and interstate prostitution charges involving 15 accusers. They have pleaded not guilty and face sentences ranging from a 15-year mandatory minimum to life, if convicted.

Court schedule and next steps

Judge Chowdhury has not yet announced a ruling on competency. The hearing is set to continue on Friday as more testimony unfolds.

The court must determine if the former Abercrombie & Fitch ex-CEO is fit to face a sex trafficking trial. That decision will shape the path to the October trial date.

Filmogaz.com will continue to monitor the proceedings and report on future developments. Updates will follow as the court issues new rulings.